The City of Seattle, with legal representation from Corr Cronin alongside the City Attorney’s Office, has filed City of Seattle v. Trump in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. The litigation challenges two Trump Administration executive orders that threaten to cut off federal funding unless recipients certify they don’t run DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) programs in violation of the Administration’s view of federal civil rights law and recognize only two biological sexes.

Seattle’s new lawsuit urges the court to declare the two executive orders unconstitutional and entirely unenforceable against the city. The city alleges the executive orders violate the separation of powers doctrine and the Constitution’s spending and due process clauses, as well as the 10th Amendment and Administrative Procedure Act.

Seattle argues that the orders are unconstitutionally vague under the Fifth Amendment’s due process clause, transgress separation of powers along with the Spending Clause and Tenth Amendment, and could subject the City to costly and unwarranted investigations and lawsuits under the False Claims Act. The city warns that about $370 million in federal funding—supporting housing, transportation, public safety, and other essential services—hangs in the balance.

Led by partner Jeffrey Coopersmith, with contributions from partners Emily Harris and Eric Lindberg, of counsel Renee Howard, and attorneys Kathryn Joy and Rachel Hay, Corr Cronin draws on its deep experience in high-stakes litigation and its commitment to supporting local communities, municipal autonomy, and constitutional principles.

By joining the lawsuit, Corr Cronin and Seattle officials are not just preserving federal dollars—we are standing up for the rule of law and the inclusive values our city has long championed.

Selected related content:

• Seattle Times 7/31/2025: Seattle sues Trump administration over funding threats
• Bloomberg Law News 7/31/2025: Seattle Sues to Block Trump’s Anti-DEI, ‘Two Sexes’ Orders
• KING5 7/31/2025: City lawsuit challenges Trump orders limiting DEI and gender identity rights
• Law360 7/31/2025: Seattle Sues Trump Administration Over Anti-DEI Grant Terms

Corr Cronin LLP is a leading boutique litigation law firm based in Seattle, Washington. Founded in 1999, the firm is known for its exceptional trial advocacy, strategic thinking, and relentless dedication to its clients’ success. Corr Cronin represents clients across a wide range of industries in complex civil litigation matters including commercial litigation, intellectual property disputes, product liability claims, and professional liability defense.

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