- Missouri seeks $24.5 billion from China for alleged COVID-19 mishandling
- Starbucks accused of racial discrimination in DEI initiative lawsuit
- State AGs now file 300% more partisan lawsuits vs. 2000s levels
- 79% of successful AGs attain higher office within 5 years
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has transformed the state's legal office into a national lightning rod through controversial lawsuits targeting both foreign governments and corporate America. The $24.5 billion claim against China represents one of the largest state-led international liability cases in U.S. history, though legal experts question its enforceability.
This aggressive approach mirrors broader trends among state attorneys general. Since the landmark 1998 tobacco settlements that distributed $165 billion to states, AGs have increasingly wielded litigation as both policy tool and political springboard. Missouri's recent actions demonstrate three strategic shifts: targeting high-profile defendants, emphasizing cultural issues, and prioritizing rapid-fire filings over prolonged negotiations.
Legal analysts note the Starbucks lawsuit aligns with growing conservative challenges to corporate DEI programs. While employment lawyers dispute Bailey's discrimination claims, the case has already influenced boardroom decisions - 14 Fortune 500 companies revised DEI language in Q2 2024 filings. This chilling effect highlights how AG lawsuits can reshape business practices beyond court verdicts.
The Missouri Model reveals structural advantages for AGs pursuing political litigation. Unlike federal counterparts, state attorneys general face fewer budgetary constraints and can fast-track cases through friendly district courts. Bailey's office operates with 22% less staff than predecessors but files 40% more lawsuits, focusing on media-friendly targets rather than local consumer protection cases.
Regional impacts remain significant. Missouri's business community reports increased legal compliance costs, particularly for healthcare providers navigating contradictory state/federal regulations. However, Bailey's base strongly supports these efforts - recent polling shows 68% approval among Republican voters for his 'lawfare' tactics against perceived liberal targets.