California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with 20 state attorneys general, publicly supported law firms opposing President Trump's executive orders targeting legal advocacy against his administration. In an open letter, Bonta criticized what he described as President Trump's unconstitutional attempts to coerce law firms to abandon clients or positions unfavorable to him.
Attorney General Bonta stated, "The Trump Administration’s increasing attacks on the rule of law, our legal system, and our independent judiciary are galling." He accused the President of targeting law firms through executive orders that undermine First Amendment principles.
Bonta emphasized the significance of resisting Trump's actions. "Since taking office, the President has launched a full-frontal assault on our democracy," Bonta continued, urging law firms that yielded to Trump's pressures to reconsider and join the fight for the rule of law.
Despite some firms complying with the administration's demands, others have legally challenged Trump's orders. Perkins Coie, WilmerHale, Jenner & Block, and Susman Godfrey have successfully obtained temporary injunctions against the executive orders.
The group of attorneys general, with Attorney General Bonta at the forefront, has actively supported these resistant firms. They have filed amicus briefs and issued public statements condemning what they see as Trump's broader attacks on constitutional institutions such as federal courts.
Bonta concluded with a call to action for the legal community in light of President Trump's alleged threats of retribution against dissenting law firms and attorneys.
Attorney General Bonta collaborated with his counterparts from New Jersey, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Arizona, Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia in drafting the letter.
A copy of the letter is accessible for public review.