California Attorney General Leads Legal Resistance Ahead of Trump’s Return to Power

With just 74 days until Donald Trump’s anticipated return to the Oval Office, California’s leaders are gearing up for a legal battle. The state has a history of staunchly opposing the former Republican president, frequently taking him to court during his first term.

Former Attorney General Xavier Becerra led a vigorous resistance, filing lawsuits against Trump’s administration at an average rate of twice per month. Now, Attorney General Rob Bonta is signaling a return to this aggressive approach. Speaking on Thursday, Bonta emphasized that California’s legal team is ready to counter Trump’s policies, particularly on immigration and other issues critical to the state.

Legal Readiness to Challenge Trump

“We know to take Trump at his word when he says he’ll roll back environmental protections, go after our immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities, attack our civil rights, and restrict access to essential reproductive care,” Bonta said at a press conference. “You can be sure that as California attorney general if Trump attacks your rights, I’ll be there. If Trump comes after your freedoms, I’ll be there. If Trump jeopardizes your safety and well-being, I’ll be there. California DOJ did it before, and we will do it again.”

Bonta revealed that his office is already coordinating with other state attorneys general and has prepared draft litigation. Among the anticipated legal battles is Trump’s promise of mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, which Bonta expects to be a major flashpoint. Other potential conflicts include abortion rights, climate policies, and gun control measures.

Statewide Preparations Underway

The momentum against Trump’s agenda isn’t confined to the Attorney General’s Office. Governor Gavin Newsom announced a special legislative session to prepare for the incoming administration. The session aims to secure funding for legal battles and safeguard what Newsom describes as “California values and fundamental rights.”

“California will not roll over while our basic freedoms and values are trampled by Donald Trump and his allies,” said state Senator Scott Wiener, whose office supports the legal fund initiative.

City Attorney David Chiu echoed similar sentiments. Having frequently filed lawsuits during Trump’s first term, Chiu stated, “We were defending so many facets of our society, our values, and our communities—from immigration and health care and gun violence and the environment to social services and housing.”

A History of Legal Resistance

California’s track record against Trump includes notable victories. The state successfully challenged his attempt to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), a policy that protects undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children. Although the U.S. Supreme Court later deemed DACA unconstitutional, the policy’s protections endured during much of Trump’s presidency due to California-led litigation.

Additionally, California and other states thwarted Trump’s plan to add a citizenship question to the U.S. census, forcing the administration to abandon the proposal.

These efforts were part of a broader trend among Democratic attorneys general, who achieved an 83% win rate against Trump’s policies during his first term, according to Marquette University.

Looking Ahead

As Trump’s return to power looms, California’s leadership appears poised for another round of courtroom battles. The state’s commitment to protecting its residents and values is clear: resistance is not just anticipated—it’s being actively prepared.