California Department of Justice
U.S. Democratic-aligned state government agency
Background
The California Department of Justice traces its origins to California's statehood in 1850, when the position of Attorney General was established by the state constitution. It grew into one of the nation's most active state attorneys general offices, with more than 5,000 employees. The office gained national prominence during the first Trump administration (2017–2021) when then-AG Xavier Becerra led or co-led over 100 lawsuits against federal policies. Rob Bonta, the first Filipino-American AG in California history, was appointed in April 2021 and later elected to the role. Under Bonta, the office has continued and expanded this adversarial posture toward Republican federal administrations, focusing on immigration, civil rights, environmental law, and consumer protection. Since January 2025, Bonta has filed 82 lawsuits against the second Trump administration, co-leading 55 of them, and has claimed more than $168 billion in federal funding restored to California through court orders. The office publicly frames its mission as defending California's 'values and resources' against federal encroachment, a characterization that reflects its Democratic political alignment.
Sources
- Attorney General Rob Bonta – California DOJ About Page
- Federal Accountability – California DOJ
- Six Months into Second Trump Administration, AG Bonta Reports $168 Billion Restored
- Attorney General Bonta Marks One Year of Holding Trump Accountable
- Governor Newsom Swears in Rob Bonta as Attorney General
- Who Is Rob Bonta? – The Complete Lawyer
Profile compiled 2026-09-19; refreshed when ownership, funding, or the administration changes.