California Attorney General Rob Bonta marked the end of President Trump’s first year of his second term by highlighting efforts to challenge federal actions in court. Since January 20, 2025, Bonta has filed 54 lawsuits against the Trump Administration, securing 12 final rulings and 35 preliminary injunctions or emergency relief orders. Six cases ended with the administration conceding at least partially.
“One year ago today, President Trump was sworn in for a second time, and every day since then, he has sought to enact a sweeping, and often illegal, effort to remake America,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Our work to stop the Trump Administration’s unlawful actions touches every part of Californians’ lives: helping to make sure they can continue putting food on the table, access a quality education, cast their vote, live safely in their communities, and so much more. This is not about political differences. This is about a wholesale attack on California’s people, our values, and our progress. We’ve filed 54 lawsuits in just one year — an astonishing number that reflects the pace and recklessness with which this President has violated the law. Looking ahead, we’re not backing down. As Attorney General, my job is to uphold the law and stand up for all Californians. I will continue to do so.”
Bonta’s office has focused on issues affecting families and businesses in California. Earlier this month when $5 billion in federal funding was frozen by the administration—a move impacting children, families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities—Bonta secured an emergency order restoring these funds within 24 hours. He also defended access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which serves 5.5 million Californians. His legal actions blocked data collection demands related to SNAP recipients and ensured continued funding during government shutdowns.
On economic policy matters such as tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration—which have affected businesses both locally and globally—Bonta has initiated legal challenges now under review by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Defending constitutional rights has been another area of focus for Bonta’s office. After President Trump signed an executive order aiming to end birthright citizenship on his first day back in office, Bonta joined a multistate coalition that secured court orders blocking its implementation. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit upheld a nationwide injunction against this policy.
The attorney general also responded to attempts at imposing voting restrictions deemed unconstitutional by successfully challenging them in court.
In terms of protecting state funding, Bonta took action after federal funding freezes targeting California and other states during Trump’s first week back in office; his efforts protected approximately $168 billion for California programs alone. Further litigation led to restored or released funds for schools—over $900 million—as well as academic recovery post-COVID-19 ($220 million), AmeriCorps programs, transportation initiatives, and victim support services.
Attorney General Bonta also challenged what he described as illegal deployments of California National Guard troops under federal authority in Los Angeles and Portland. His team argued these cases before district courts; subsequent Supreme Court decisions limited presidential authority over such deployments.
The California Attorney General serves as chief law enforcement officer for the state—overseeing uniform application of laws while providing legal representation, criminal investigations support, consumer protections, civil rights advocacy statewide—and promotes transparency through public data portals while advancing environmental justice initiatives (official website).
For further details on these lawsuits: https://oag.ca.gov/federal-accountability
