States File Suit Against Trump Administration Over Wall Emergency

California takes lead to fight president’s order funding the barrier, setting up 2020 election issue

President Trump has declared a national emergency to fund a barrier at the border with Mexico. But what constitutes a national emergency and how will the funding work? Jason Bellini reports. Photo: Getty

Rebecca Davis O’Brien and

Rebecca Davis O’Brien

The Wall Street Journal

Biography Rebecca Davis O’Brien
@rebeccadobrien
rebecca.obrien@wsj.com

Sadie Gurman

The Wall Street Journal

Biography Sadie Gurman
@sgurman
sadie.gurman@wsj.com

Updated Feb. 18, 2019 9:27 pm ET

Sixteen states on Monday filed a federal lawsuit challenging President Trump’s national-emergency declaration to pay for a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, setting up a showdown with the administration that could go to the Supreme Court and last through the 2020 election.

The complaint, filed in California’s Northern District, seeks judicial intervention to stop the order and accuses Mr. Trump of “flagrant disregard for the separation of powers.” The suit claims that the president’s move undermined Congress by redirecting...