Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued a statement in response to President Trump's actions, which he describes as troubling attacks on the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution. According to Bonta, "More than two centuries ago, our founding fathers established three co-equal branches of government; each branch designed to act as a check on the others and curb the misuse of power by those in higher office." He expressed concern that this fundamental aspect of American democracy is currently being tested.

Bonta criticized the Trump Administration for attempting to exercise authority that he claims belongs to Congress or the states, thereby violating legal requirements set forth in both law and the U.S. Constitution. He stated, "These actions have required the co-equal judicial branch to order the Trump Administration to follow the law," noting instances where court orders were not adhered to by the administration.

The Attorney General described these actions as unlawful and dangerous, emphasizing that constitutional democracy relies on a legal system where attorneys represent their clients, facts and laws are presented before judges who then issue orders that must be followed. He remarked on attempts made to undermine due process, discredit or intimidate an independent judiciary, undercut state sovereignty, or retaliate against those exercising their First Amendment rights as either unlawful or inconsistent with foundational American legal principles.

"President Trump’s demands for the co-equal judiciary to capitulate to the executive branch are not normal," Bonta asserted. Additionally, he noted concerns over threats of sanctions against attorneys and firms disliked by Trump as abnormal behaviors threatening democratic foundations.

Attorney General Bonta emphasized the importance of speaking up when democratic norms are violated and holding leaders accountable: "We must continue to speak up and push back when our democratic norms are violated, our legal system undermined, and our laws broken." He concluded with a promise: "As California Attorney General, I promise I will."