Michelle Lujan Grisham

Amid legislative session, MLG once again flees state for DC

As New Mexico lawmakers press forward in the 60-day legislative session, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is once again absent from the state, choosing instead to travel to Washington, D.C., for meetings with national Democratic groups.

The governor, who spent much of last year crisscrossing the country stumping for former Vice President Kamala Harris, left for the Democratic National Committee’s (DNC) winter meeting on Thursday, her office confirmed. The DNC is set to elect a new chair on Saturday after a disappointing election cycle in which Democrats lost both the White House and control of Congress. Lujan Grisham is also scheduled to attend a Democratic Governors Association (DGA) meeting before returning to New Mexico on Sunday.

Lujan Grisham’s latest departure is just one of many. Throughout her tenure, she has frequently left New Mexico for national and international political events, personal vacations, and out-of-state fundraisers, raising concerns that she is more focused on national ambitions than the needs of New Mexicans. 

Her out-of-state trips have included multiple visits to Washington, D.C., high-profile climate summits in Scotland, and extensive campaigning in other states, all while major crises—including rising crime, education struggles, and economic downturns—plague New Mexico.

This trip comes as some Democrat governors have been pressuring Senate Democrats to take a more aggressive stance on President Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees.

Despite regularly leaving the state, Lujan Grisham did not directly address the Trump administration during her State of the State Address, a stark contrast to her past criticisms of Trump’s policies, particularly regarding health care. This could be due to the state’s dire dependence on federal dollars, which is the most dependent state in the entire country. 

Whether she is positioning herself for a future role in national politics or simply avoiding the mounting challenges back home, the governor’s repeated absences are becoming hard to ignore. Lt. Gov. Howie Morales once again assumes the role of acting governor in her absence, as required by the state Constitution—a role he has had to fill many times before due to her frequent out-of-state trips.

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As MLG enters her last 60-day session, Dem infighting likely to sink crime agenda

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham enters her final 60-day legislative session with a sharp focus on addressing New Mexico’s crime crisis, which has escalated to unprecedented levels. Her push for a slate of public safety measures—including stiffer penalties for repeat offenders, firearm restrictions, and reforms to criminal competency laws—reflects an acknowledgment of the urgency to restore safety and accountability in the state. However, her own political decisions have created significant obstacles to achieving these goals.

During her tenure, Lujan Grisham orchestrated a reshaping of the Democrat caucus, targeting moderate, pragmatic lawmakers in primary elections and replacing them with progressive allies. 

While this move consolidated her influence, it also sidelined legislators who were more open to bipartisan approaches to crime policy. The result is a Legislature where many Democrats now vehemently oppose tougher penalties, preferring instead to focus on measures like expanded “behavioral health services” and “free” housing initiatives. This ideological shift has left the governor grappling with resistance from within her own party as she attempts to push through her public safety agenda, while also delivering on these ineffective, woke social programs that are proven not to aid in battling crime.

The fallout from last summer’s special session underscores the challenges of this political realignment. The governor’s proposals—ranging from stricter pretrial detention laws to reforms for handling mentally incompetent defendants—were met with a cold shoulder from the very lawmakers she helped elect. The session ended without a single bill advancing, an outcome the governor described as one of the most disappointing days of her career. Her frustration was palpable as she accused legislators of a “dereliction of duty,” but the impasse highlighted her inability to bridge the ideological divide within her own party.

“We all agree that there were a lot of sort of missteps before, in the calling [of the special session] and right after,” she said, according to the Santa Fe New Mexican. “Those missteps, on both sides, are not creating a perception that we can’t work together for any of us in this session. That should not translate to that my job is ever easy or that they think that I’m going to be a pushover. We’re going to come to, I think, the best balance that we’ve ever had. Let’s see if I’m right.”

Despite these setbacks, Lujan Grisham has shown determination to tackle crime. She has held town halls across the state to rally public support and has urged New Mexicans to pressure their representatives to act. Her administration has prepared up to 35 crime-related bills for the session, reflecting a comprehensive, if controversial, approach to addressing public safety. The governor’s emphasis on combating violent crime, holding repeat offenders accountable, and addressing gun violence through measures like assault weapon bans and stricter penalties for felons in possession of firearms resonates with many New Mexicans fed up with the status quo.

However, the governor’s vision faces significant hurdles. Progressive lawmakers and advocacy groups remain skeptical of approaches that punish violent criminals, clinging to the belief that they fail to address the root causes of crime and may infringe on constitutional rights. 

Resistance has also emerged from law enforcement leaders and judges, who question the feasibility of implementing some proposals given the state’s limited behavioral health infrastructure and workforce shortages, according to the New Mexican

Even within the Democrat leadership, there is a reluctance to fully embrace Lujan Grisham’s agenda, with Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth cautioning against rushing into measures that could have unintended consequences.

“These are complex, really tricky constitutional issues,” Wirth said. “You can’t pass laws if the infrastructure is not there to get the people the help they need.”

Adding to the complexity is the governor’s mixed messaging about bipartisanship. While she has called for unity in addressing public safety, her political maneuvers have often deepened divisions. Many Republicans, who have long championed tougher crime policies, view her recent proposals as a delayed acknowledgment of the crisis. 

House Minority Whip Alan Martinez noted that Democrats are now adopting ideas Republicans have introduced for years, albeit under different branding. For their part, GOP lawmakers have signaled readiness to work on crime solutions, even as they remain skeptical of the governor’s ability to navigate the legislative gridlock she helped create.

Lujan Grisham’s political legacy is at stake as she seeks to deliver public safety reforms in the waning years of her governorship. The state’s violent crime rate remains among the highest in the nation, with cities like Albuquerque and Santa Fe grappling with repeat offenses, drug abuse, and homelessness. Albuquerque, run by progressive Democrat Mayor Tim Keller, was recently ranked the 20th most dangerous city in the world.

The governor has acknowledged the systemic failures contributing to the crisis, describing it as a breaking point requiring punitive and preventative solutions. Yet her ability to enact meaningful change will depend on overcoming the ideological divisions she has fostered and building consensus across the aisle.

While Lujan Grisham’s newly found crime focus is interesting, given her years-long attacks on New Mexicans’ constitutional rights, her strategy of sidelining moderate voices in favor of a far-left agenda in elections has undercut her ability to rally broad support for critical reforms. 

New Mexicans need action, not political posturing, to ensure safer communities. Whether the governor can deliver on her promises or remains mired in partisan deadlock will define her final chapter in office. However, the ball is entirely in the Democrats’ court, and if they fail to produce results, it is entirely on them — especially since they hold the governorship and wide majorities in both chambers of the legislature.

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NY Times skewers Lujan Grisham for her epic failures on stopping crime

Far-left Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s tenure has become a political lightning rod, sparking criticism from both Republicans and members of her own Democratic Party. As reported by The New York Times, the state faces severe challenges, including a violent crime rate double the national average and a homelessness crisis spiraling out of control. Critics argue that Lujan Grisham’s leadership has failed to deliver meaningful solutions, instead amplifying the state’s issues and alienating her political allies.

“More violent crime went unsolved in New Mexico in 2023 than in any other state,” according to Times, citing data from the Council of State Governments Justice Center. This alarming statistic highlights the inadequacies of the state’s criminal justice system, which remains overwhelmed by skyrocketing crime rates and insufficient resources. Lujan Grisham’s attempts to address these issues, such as a proposed gun ban in Albuquerque, have only exacerbated tensions. Even New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez, a Democrat, opposed the gun ban, underscoring her growing isolation within her party.

While the report acknowledges that Lujan Grisham is “trying to strike a balance between a liberal and a pragmatic approach,” it bluntly notes that “she hasn’t always succeeded.” Her policies have drawn criticism from progressives like Las Cruces City Councilor Johana Bencomo, who condemned the governor’s approach to crime and homelessness, stating, “We are going back to policies we know do not work.” Meanwhile, Republicans have seized the opportunity to amplify these failures, framing them as emblematic of broader Democrat mismanagement.

The article also reveals the human toll of New Mexico’s unchecked crime crisis. It recounts the harrowing murder of police officer Jonah Hernandez in Las Cruces, killed by a mentally ill individual with a history of violent behavior. 

The incident underscores the inadequacies of the state’s mental health system, which remains in disarray despite the governor’s rhetoric about reform. “More mental health resources” are desperately needed, according to critics, who argue that Lujan Grisham’s solutions are insufficient for the scale of the crisis.

Even Democrat lawmakers are growing frustrated. When Lujan Grisham called a special legislative session to push her crime-related proposals, it ended in less than a day, with lawmakers refusing to back her measures. Undeterred, she has resorted to public town halls to gain grassroots support, but her rhetoric often seems more performative than productive.

“Ms. Lujan Grisham said she had been approached by a man with a machete on the sidewalk outside a business in Albuquerque, even with her security detail present,” the Times reported — an unverified and likely false account by the governor that she has used to garner sympathy. 

As New Mexico struggles under the weight of unsolved crime, rampant homelessness, and systemic failures, Lujan Grisham’s leadership appears to have galvanized her opponents while splintering her support base. The New York Timesarticle paints a damning portrait of a governor whose ambitions and policies are increasingly out of sync with the realities faced by her constituents.

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MLG’s turbulent Cabinet shrinks yet again with latest defection

Far-left Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s administration is experiencing a notable pattern of high-level departures, raising concerns about stability within key state agencies. The latest resignation is that of General Services Department Secretary Robert Doucette Jr., who will step down at the end of the year after less than a year in the role. 

Doucette’s exit marks the fourth Cabinet-level resignation in as many months, underscoring a troubling trend. Health Secretary Patrick Allen resigned abruptly in November after serving less than two years. 

September saw the departures of Aging and Long-Term Services Secretary Jen Paul Schroer and Public Education Secretary Arsenio Romero stepping down amid critical periods for their departments. 

This pattern of turnover is familiar to Lujan Grisham’s tenure. Since her inauguration in 2019, the administration has seen a revolving door in key positions. For instance, the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) is now seeing its fourth secretary in five years, a stark contrast to the previous administration, which had only two education secretaries over eight years. Mariana Padilla was appointed to be the governor’s fifth pick to lead the NMPED.

The Health Department has also faced instability. Before Allen’s brief tenure, the department was led by multiple secretaries in quick succession, including Kathy Kunkel and Dr. Tracie Collins, who departed amid the governor’s brutal COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. 

Such frequent leadership changes have raised questions about the administration’s ability to maintain consistent policy direction and effectively manage state affairs. As New Mexico approaches a 60-day legislative session, the absence of stable leadership in critical departments could hinder the state’s capacity to address pressing issues.

While some turnover is expected in any administration, the rate at which key officials are exiting under Governor Lujan Grisham’s leadership is unprecedented.

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Big promises, bigger waste: Inside MLG’s extravagant NM budget ask

Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s recently unveiled $10.9 billion budget proposal is being marketed as a major investment in New Mexico’s future, but a closer look reveals troubling trends of fiscal irresponsibility, misallocation of funds, and misplaced priorities. While the administration touts its commitment to issues like homelessness, child care, and infrastructure, critics argue that the governor’s reckless spending, fueled by oil and gas revenues she simultaneously seeks to undermine, is setting New Mexico up for long-term instability.

The proposed budget represents a $720 million, or 7%, increase in state spending compared to the current fiscal year. Since Lujan Grisham took office in 2019, recurring state spending has skyrocketed by a staggering 45%. Such ballooning expenditures would be unsustainable for most states, but New Mexico’s budget is propped up by record-breaking oil and gas production from the Permian Basin—a source of revenue that accounts for 35% of the state’s total income.

This irony is not lost on many critics. On one hand, Lujan Grisham’s administration has made a habit of demonizing the oil and gas industry, promoting aggressive “climate” policies and stricter regulations. On the other hand, the state’s financial health remains dependent on that very industry. It’s a double standard that has left many New Mexicans questioning the governor’s true intentions.

Despite this influx of oil-fueled billions, many believe the money isn’t being spent wisely. Instead of prioritizing savings or trust funds (such as the rainy day fund) that could support future generations, Lujan Grisham’s proposal calls for sweeping expenditures on initiatives that have yet to prove effective. For example, the $50 million allocation for rental assistance and homeless shelters is a drop in the bucket compared to the scope of New Mexico’s housing crisis, and similar expensive policies tried out in other states prove to be ineffective or even more harmful than the original crisis. Without structural reforms or measurable outcomes, such one-time cash infusions risk becoming wasteful handouts with no lasting impact.

State employees and public school workers are set to receive pay raises under the plan—3% for teachers and education workers and targeted raises for state employees. It’s unclear if these raises are being distributed in a manner that addresses critical staffing shortages or high-need areas.

The governor’s budget also calls for significant investments in “behavioral health” programs, including $100 million to expand mental health and substance abuse facilities. While no one doubts the importance of behavioral health, critics argue that much of this money could end up in bureaucratic limbo. Rep. Nathan Small, D-Las Cruces, who chairs the New Mexico House Appropriations Committee, insists lawmakers are making “very significant” investments in behavioral health, but without clear accountability measures, it’s hard to see how New Mexicans will directly benefit.

Another point of contention is the proposal’s handling of tax relief. Despite New Mexico’s multi-year revenue boom, the governor’s budget offers no specific calls for tax cuts or rebates. In contrast, Sen. George Muñoz, D-Gallup, a top budget official, has criticized past rebate checks as a “waste of money” and argues that excess funds should be funneled into trust funds to generate future investment returns. Muñoz’s perspective highlights a fundamental divide between short-term giveaways and long-term financial stewardship.

Meanwhile, the state’s public education system—already consuming 44% of the budget—would receive even more funding under Lujan Grisham’s plan. Despite a notable drop in statewide school enrollment, the governor proposes expanded funding for universal school meals, summer reading initiatives, and a $150 million investment in Native American education over three years. While improving educational outcomes is essential, critics argue that increased spending without addressing enrollment declines could lead to inefficiencies and wasted resources.

Supporters of the governor’s approach highlight the creation of trust funds as a silver lining. For instance, an early childhood trust fund established with a $300 million allocation in 2020 now boasts a projected $9.6 billion balance. But this success story is not replicated in all areas of the budget. In contrast, other trust fund contributions, such as $50 million for rural hospitals and $110 million for federal matching funds, come with less clarity on how they’ll be managed or evaluated.

The contradictions in Lujan Grisham’s fiscal strategy are hard to ignore. She’s banking on oil and gas revenues to support a spending spree while simultaneously pushing policies to limit that very industry’s future in New Mexico. Instead of ensuring that excess funds are saved or invested wisely, the governor’s plan leans heavily on headline-grabbing initiatives that may have little long-term impact.

New Mexico House Republicans noted, “All the creative accounting in the world can’t hide the BILLIONS of your tax dollars just sitting in the hands of Santa Fe politicians.” 

With the 60-day legislative session set to begin on Jan. 21, lawmakers will have their chance to amend or reject portions of this bloated budget. As debate heats up, New Mexicans deserve answers on how their oil- and gas-derived tax dollars are being spent—and how much of that money is being squandered on initiatives that lack accountability, oversight, and lasting value.

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‘Anything’ and ‘a little bit beyond’: MLG vows defying oath again to resist Trump

At far-left Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s Tuesday “Public Safety Town Hall” in Gallup, she once again vowed to defy the Trump administration’s immigration policies, including that of removing criminal aliens who entered the country illegally.

The governor, who has previously been reprimanded by federal courts for breaking the Constitution and even had articles of impeachment introduced against her twice for breaking her oath, claimed President-elect Donald Trump was being unconstitutional by acting on his plan to carry out mass deportations of these law-breaking criminals. She even went as far as saying she would go “a little bit beyond” her power to attempt to resist Trump’s policies.

Leftists, such as Lujan Grisham, have attempted to victimize illegal aliens as “asylum seekers,” however, they did not enter the country through the point of entry, which is the proper way to seek asylum.

In a question from an audience member if the governor had any plans to “help these people and protect these people,” referring to illegal aliens, Lujan Grisham responded, “We aren’t going to cooperate, we are not going to violate the constitution, uh, we

aren’t going to do … We’re going to fight and file lawsuits if the next administration works to use the military against residents and citizens of this country.”

“I’m very concerned about immigrant rights, um, and about mixed-status families, and the unintended consequences all across the board that are inhumane and inappropriate,” she claimed.

“What this President-elect is suggesting is not constitutional,” she continued to claim, adding, “We’re going to use our attorney generals (sic) and every other tool in the toolbox to protect the residents of our state.” 

“I can’t make promises uh more than anything in my power and a little bit beyond expect us to do every bit of it every day for everyone,” she concluded, floating once again breaking her oath. 

WATCH:

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MLG’s war on oil: Court upholds far-left emissions rules to harm industry

The New Mexico Court of Appeals, which is comprised entirely of Democrat judges, has upheld a contentious set of emissions regulations targeting the oil and gas industry in one of the nation’s most productive energy states. This decision reflects a broader push by far-left environmentalists to undermine the industry, even as experts point out the lack of tangible or scientific evidence that such measures provide meaningful public benefits, whether measurable or otherwise.

The case focused on a 2022 regulation requiring operators to monitor and reduce emissions of pollutants like nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals can contribute to ground-level ozone, or smog, under certain conditions, claim eco-leftists.

Proponents argue that high ozone levels can exacerbate respiratory problems, including asthma and chronic bronchitis. New Mexico’s oil-producing regions are well within federal standards, casting doubt on the necessity of these regulations, not to mention the science used to attempt to correlate them.

Far-left Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s administration has ferociously pushed these rules as part of its agenda to combat “climate change.” This agenda is driven by political ideology rather than practical necessity, say many. Also interesting is that half of the judges on the Court of Appeals were appointed by the governor.

Lujan Grisham’s Environment Secretary, James Kenney, celebrated the court’s ruling, declaring that the regulations were developed with “substantial evidence” and urging the industry to cease legal challenges and focus on compliance. “These rules aren’t going anywhere,” Kenney stated, signaling the administration’s unyielding stance against the industry.

The Independent Petroleum Association of New Mexico challenged the rule, contending that it disproportionately affects small, family-owned operators in New Mexico while allowing larger corporations to shoulder the costs more easily. The group highlighted how these burdens are part of an ongoing “death by a thousand cuts” approach that threatens the survival of independent businesses in the state. Its executive director, Jim Winchester, expressed frustration with the administration’s hostility toward local operators and indicated that the group is exploring further legal options.

The court dismissed arguments that counties such as Chaves and Rio Arriba should be excluded from the rule. Judges concluded that these counties were part of larger regions that reached the ozone threshold, though critics argue that including these areas stretches the scientific justification for the rule’s geographic application. This reasoning, some say, underscores a broader lack of concrete evidence supporting the regulation’s purported environmental and health benefits.

This decision adds to growing concerns about the ideological slant of New Mexico’s judiciary. With the entire Court of Appeals comprised of Democrats, many see this ruling as a reflection of partisan alignment with the Governor’s eco-left agenda rather than a balanced consideration of the rule’s economic and scientific merits. The lack of diverse perspectives on the court raises questions about the fairness of rulings that have far-reaching consequences for the state’s economy and residents.

The regulations require operators to invest significant resources in monitoring emissions and repairing leaks, with substantial costs that critics contend will yield negligible improvements in air quality. The burden falls hardest on smaller operators, potentially driving them out of business and consolidating power within larger corporations—an outcome that contradicts claims of supporting local communities and economies.

While supporters frame these regulations as essential for addressing climate change and protecting public health, detractors argue they are more about political posturing than achieving real-world results. The oil and gas industry remains a vital part of New Mexico’s economy, providing jobs and revenues that sustain the state. Policies that weaken this sector without clear, evidence-based benefits risk harming New Mexico more than helping it.

The court’s decision, celebrated by environmental advocates, is a stark reminder of how far ideological motivations can drive regulatory efforts. For an industry that plays such a critical role in New Mexico’s economic health, this ruling represents yet another hurdle—one that seems more aligned with far-left political priorities than with any demonstrable benefit to public health, the environment, or the state’s residents.

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The truth about NM’s poverty rankings—What MLG isn’t telling you

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has sparked controversy following her recent appearance on MSNBC, where she voiced strong opposition to the Trump administration’s policy proposals. However, critics, including the Rio Grande Foundation, a free-market think tank based in Albuquerque, have taken issue with several of her claims, including those related to child poverty and education.

During the interview, Lujan Grisham asserted that New Mexico had dramatically improved its child poverty ranking, moving from 50th to 17th in the nation. The Rio Grande Foundation swiftly countered this claim, stating that the alleged improvement is based on a shift in data measurement rather than real progress. “New Mexico’s ‘improvement’ in child poverty is driven by the use of a different data set—the Census Bureau’s supplemental poverty measure,” the foundation explained in a recent analysis. They noted that while the supplemental measure accounts for factors like tax credits and housing costs, it has been criticized for its complexity and inconsistencies.

The think tank added, “We don’t take a position on whether the traditional or supplemental measure is better, but MLG is being her usual disingenuous self in claiming this massive improvement, especially when all other reports show New Mexico to be not doing a good job with child outcomes.”

Critics also took aim at MSNBC’s portrayal of Lujan Grisham as an education policy expert. Despite the governor’s firm opposition to the Trump administration’s proposal to eliminate the Department of Education, the Rio Grande Foundation questioned her credibility on the topic. “It is both hilarious and a sign of the media’s extreme bias that they would include New Mexico’s Gov. as an ‘expert’ on education policy,” the group remarked. They pointed to New Mexico’s persistent struggles with education outcomes, which remain among the worst in the nation.

The think tank also expressed openness to the idea of eliminating the Department of Education, arguing that its presence has done little to improve outcomes in New Mexico or across the country. They concluded, “It is laughable to value MLG’s opinions on an issue where she has failed so miserably.”

Lujan Grisham has yet to respond directly to these criticisms, but the debate underscores the ongoing scrutiny of New Mexico’s progress—or lack thereof—on key social and economic issues under the current governor’s regime.

The truth about NM’s poverty rankings—What MLG isn’t telling you Read More »

Lawless Gov. MLG furious Trump wants to uphold federal immigration laws

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has made headlines by vowing to defy President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed mass deportation plans, which she described as “unlawful.” Speaking on the matter, Lujan Grisham argued, “I don’t know how they undertake it… They’re not going to do it because we have no federal authority here,” asserting that such actions would exceed federal limits federal authority. 

https://twitter.com/saras76/status/1859621754282348751

Her claim conveniently ignores the clear legality of enforcing immigration laws and deporting individuals who are in the country illegally.

This stance is not surprising given the governor’s track record of selective adherence to laws and standards. Lujan Grisham’s disregard for established rules is nothing new. In 2023, she issued a temporary order banning the carrying of firearms in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County, citing a spike in gun violence. 

The order was widely condemned as unconstitutional by a Joe Biden-appointed judge, with her own Attorney General Raúl Torrez refusing to defend it, stating it violated the Second Amendment Second Amendment. Critics labeled the move a blatant abuse of power, and courts swiftly blocked the order.

Her defiance of federal immigration law also comes against the backdrop of troubling scandals. In 2021, Lujan Grisham paid a former staffer $150,000 to settle allegations of sexual harassment. The staffer accused the governor of unwanted physical advances, an incident that undermines her frequent public claims to champion accountability and integrity around sexual harassment.

Additionally, her administration has been criticized for mismanagement of federal COVID-19 relief funds. Reports revealed that her office also used taxpayer dollars to purchase luxury items, including expensive groceries and alcohol, during the pandemic—a decision viewed by many as tone-deaf while businesses and residents struggled to stay afloat COVID-19 relief funds, while bread lines formed around the blocks of grocery stores due to her strict pandemic orders.

While Lujan Grisham claims Trump’s deportation plans are unlawful, federal immigration laws explicitly authorize the deportation of individuals residing in the country illegally. Her rhetoric conflates the logistics of implementing such plans with their legality, ignoring that deportations are firmly within the federal government’s jurisdiction. Furthermore, her assertion that states have no role in federal enforcement is a misrepresentation of cooperative efforts between states and federal agencies, such as ICE.

Critics argue that Lujan Grisham’s willingness to disregard the law when it suits her political agenda raises serious questions about what’s left of her credibility as she enters the lame-duck phase of her second and final term as governor. Her administration’s repeated controversies—from unconstitutional gun bans to ethical lapses and mismanagement of public funds—highlight a pattern of prioritizing political theater over the rule of law.

As Trump’s administration prepares to enforce immigration laws, Lujan Grisham’s defiance underscores a broader issue of state officials cherry-picking which laws they choose to follow. Her selective adherence to legal and ethical standards invites scrutiny, especially when it involves laws designed to protect the nation’s sovereignty and the rights of its legal citizens.

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Leftist pundit skewers Lujan Grisham over ‘embarrassing’ political flops

In a recent KRWG op-ed, Walt Rubel delivered a scathing critique of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s declining political influence, particularly over public safety legislation. He observed that the governor’s “attempts to arm-twist lawmakers” during last year’s special session backfired, leading to what he described as “an embarrassing rebuke” when lawmakers adjourned without action. 

According to Rubel, Lujan Grisham’s hardline tactics have weakened her standing as she enters a “lame duck” phase of her tenure.

Rubel highlighted that, after failing to get what she wanted during a regular session, Lujan Grisham called for a special session despite warnings from her own party’s leaders. This approach, he argued, showcased a lack of consensus and strategic missteps. 

“Lawmakers voted to wrap it up and go home as soon as they arrived,” Rubel wrote, underscoring the depth of her political miscalculation.

The op-ed also delved into broader public safety concerns, noting that while New Mexicans are desperate for crime solutions, Lujan Grisham’s confrontational stance risks alienating lawmakers. 

Rubel warned that her “maximum pressure campaign will only make legislators more reluctant to pass public safety legislation that is needed.” He called for a shift in focus to pressing issues like bail reform and protections against repeat offenders who are incompetent to stand trial.

Rubel concluded by criticizing the state’s lack of political competition, pointing out that many legislative seats were uncontested, with incumbents often coasting to re-election without opposition. 

As New Mexico approaches a critical 60-day session, he emphasized that the state’s ability to address key issues “is a lot easier to do with strong leadership from the governor’s office”—something he suggests Lujan Grisham now lacks.

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