Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has been making headlines for his aggressive stance on suing and threatening legal action against various entities, from China to Starbucks. Bailey recently made waves by announcing his intention to seize Chinese-owned assets to force China to pay a $24.5 billion award won by the state in a lawsuit over COVID-19. While the likelihood of collecting money from China is uncertain, the threat itself sends a strong message.
Bailey’s lawsuit against Starbucks, alleging discrimination against white men in hiring, is seen as an attack on diversity and inclusion programs supported by liberals and his Democratic counterparts. Bailey is part of a new breed of attorneys general who are using their positions to pursue national issues and policy goals through legal action and public demand letters. This shift in focus from traditional crime fighting and consumer protection to national politics has garnered attention and criticism.
Critics accuse attorneys general of grandstanding, but the political benefits are tangible. Winning high-profile lawsuits can lead to career advancements, with examples like Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro, who won the governor’s race after challenging Trump administration actions, and Missouri’s former attorneys general who both won U.S. Senate seats.
Bailey’s aggressive approach has made him a prominent figure in the legal landscape, with his efforts against China, Starbucks, and multiple lawsuits against the Biden administration. Despite the legal challenges and criticisms, Bailey remains committed to his mission of holding wrongdoers accountable and protecting Missourians. Whether these lawsuits will be successful remains to be seen, but the impact they can have on behavior and policy change is undeniable.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
