California Attorney General Rob Bonta has accused the Trump administration of violating legal standards at an unprecedented pace, having filed 39 lawsuits in just over seven months. This aggressive legal strategy reflects a broader effort by Democratic attorneys general to safeguard constitutional rights and challenge federal policies perceived as unlawful.
In a statement, Bonta emphasized the importance of maintaining the rule of law. “Our position is we hold the line on the law. The law is broken, we sue. We’ve done that 39 times in 31 weeks,” he said. His office’s efforts span multiple areas, including the protection of birthright citizenship, federal Medicaid data, and the safeguarding of federal funding for California.
Bonta highlighted the significant financial implications of these lawsuits, stating, “We’ve protected $168 billion that California was owed, that Trump was trying to withhold.” He noted that this funding continues to support vital services for Californians, ensuring that critical resources remain accessible.
The lawsuits filed by Bonta’s office have often resulted in effective legal relief, including emergency measures and temporary restraining orders. “That happened when the Trump administration was trying to condition — put unlawful in our view — immigration conditions on funding from the Department of Homeland Security. They changed their policies and took away those conditions after we sued,” Bonta explained. He affirmed the role of the courts as a crucial venue for justice.
As many legal challenges unfold, Bonta’s office remains vigilant. Immigrants’ rights groups have also initiated lawsuits against the Department of Homeland Security, alleging that the agency’s actions might be in violation of a federal court order. Bonta’s office has supported these efforts through an amicus brief, reinforcing the collaborative legal strategy among various advocates.
“We’re not naïve about the fact that he’s pushing the limits, potentially defying some of the court orders or at least not following them precisely or promptly or in good faith as the court has required,” Bonta noted. His office has led or co-led the majority of the lawsuits filed against the Trump administration, and it has also submitted over 40 amicus briefs in support of other litigation efforts.
The pace of litigation has nearly doubled compared to the first Trump administration, reflecting a heightened urgency among state officials. As President Trump hints at deploying the U.S. military for law enforcement activities in various cities, including Washington, D.C., Bonta and his colleagues are prepared to respond. “We’ve got a full tank of gas,” he stated. “Whatever he does, we are ready to meet him in court and stop him.”
This ongoing legal battle highlights the tensions between state and federal authorities, with California at the forefront of the resistance against policies deemed detrimental to its residents. As the situation develops, Bonta’s commitment to defending constitutional rights remains a central focus of his administration’s legal strategy.
