The MeidasTouch Podcast: California AG Rob Bonta Discusses Lawsuits Against Trump Regime

Published: May 11, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
Guest: Attorney General Rob Bonta, California

Introduction to the Issue

In this compelling episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, the Meiselas brothers delve into the aggressive legal actions taken by former President Donald Trump's administration against cultural and educational institutions. Hosting Attorney General Rob Bonta of California, the discussion highlights the Trump regime's attempts to defund museums, libraries, and critical services, and the subsequent lawsuits filed to counter these moves.

Trump Administration's Attacks on Cultural Institutions

Host's Overview ([00:30] - [02:00]):
The host begins by outlining the Trump administration's targeted assaults on museums and cultural institutions across the United States. Specific examples include the Japanese American Museum in Washington, D.C., the African American Smithsonian Museum in California, and numerous nonprofits in New York experiencing funding cuts affecting theaters, galleries, and libraries. The host emphasizes the nationwide scope of these attacks, mentioning states like Arizona and Michigan.

Notable Quote:
"The Trump regime is attacking the museums... it's just cruelty for the sake of cruelty." ([01:45])

Impact on Museums and Cultural Artifacts

The discussion shifts to the tangible effects of these policies, referencing Reverend Amos Brown's experience with the Smithsonian's African American History Museum. Due to recent executive orders, two significant artifacts lent by Brown—the first history of the Negro race by Reverend George Washington Williams and a Bible from demonstrations with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—are being returned without renewal options.

Notable Quote by Reverend Amos Brown:
"Recent executive orders signed by President Trump aimed at removing what he called improper ideology could already be affecting the African American History Museum." ([02:03])

Legal Actions and Preliminary Injunctions

Introduction of AG Rob Bonta ([02:50] - [04:53]):
Attorney General Rob Bonta outlines the legal battle against the Trump administration's unlawful actions. Collaborating with Democratic attorneys general nationwide, Bonta has filed 19 lawsuits in 15 weeks, securing two preliminary injunctions within hours to halt the withholding of congressionally appropriated funds for museums, libraries, and COVID-19 related school funding.

Notable Quote by AG Bonta:
"We've been winning our cases, broadly speaking, getting injunctions, temporary restraining orders, stopping the president from his unconstitutional and unlawful activity." ([03:50])

Attack on Health and Human Services

Host's Transition ([04:53] - [05:53]):
The conversation broadens to include the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle Health and Human Services (HHS). The host references a lawsuit filed alongside Robert F. Kennedy Jr., detailing the rollback of essential services, including those supporting first responders, cancer diagnoses, and healthcare for miners.

Notable Quote by Host:
"It’s not a Republican or a Democrat thing. This stuff is literally going to be, like, killing us, result in people dying." ([05:30])

Mental Health Funding Cuts in Education

Discussion on Mental Health ([07:03] - [08:05]):
The focus turns to the Department of Education's proposed cuts of $1 to $2 billion in mental health funding. AG Bonta criticizes these cuts, emphasizing the growing need for mental health services due to high levels of anxiety, depression, and trauma exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Notable Quote by AG Bonta:
"We are massively under invested when it comes to mental health. We need to do more people need services yesterday, they need access." ([08:00])

Birthright Citizenship Legal Battle

Host's Inquiry on Oral Arguments ([12:50] - [13:14]):
The discussion shifts to an upcoming oral argument on birthright citizenship scheduled for May 15th. The host queries why New Jersey’s Attorney General is handling the case instead of California's, given California's significant economic standing.

Notable Quote by Host:
"The big oral argument on the birthright citizenship case is coming up on May 15th. Why are we giving it to Jersey?" ([12:50])

AG Bonta's Response:
Bonta explains confidence in New Jersey's Solicitor General to argue the case effectively, emphasizing the national importance of the constitutional right to birthright citizenship.

Notable Quote by AG Bonta:
"The case is about national injunctions and whether a group of states can get an order that applies throughout the whole nation." ([13:14])

Critique of Republican Attorneys General and Congress

Host's Criticism ([09:27] - [10:30]):
The host expresses frustration over the Republican attorneys general's inaction in filing lawsuits against Trump's unlawful actions, contrasting this with Democratic AGs' proactive stance.

Notable Quote by Host:
"I wish there was more media attention on this... What issue or issues do you think we need to be focused on more?" ([10:30])

AG Bonta's Response:
Bonta criticizes Republican AGs and Congress for not taking legal action against the president's unconstitutional maneuvers, highlighting the lack of defense for the rule of law and citizens' rights.

Notable Quote by AG Bonta:
"We're not getting that, nor do we expect that from Republican AGs or the Republican Congress." ([15:10])

Conclusion and Final Remarks

Final Thoughts ([15:25] - [16:52]):
AG Bonta emphasizes the unwavering commitment of Democratic attorneys general to uphold the Constitution and protect Americans from unlawful executive actions. He underscores the importance of standing against attempts to dismantle critical services and constitutional rights.

Notable Quote by AG Bonta:
"We are immovable and unapologetic in our commitment to each and every time the President... breaks the law, we will take him to court to stop him and hold him accountable." ([15:45])

Key Takeaways

• Systematic Attacks on Cultural Institutions: The Trump administration has systematically targeted museums and cultural institutions across the U.S., aiming to defund and dismantle critical educational and cultural services.

• Legal Resistance: California Attorney General Rob Bonta, alongside Democratic AGs nationwide, has launched numerous lawsuits to counteract these unlawful actions, successfully obtaining preliminary injunctions to protect funding for essential services.

• Broader Impact on Health Services: Beyond cultural institutions, the administration's policies threaten vital health and human services, including mental health support and COVID-19 recovery funding, posing serious risks to public well-being.

• Constitutional Rights Under Siege: The ongoing legal battle over birthright citizenship exemplifies the administration's attempts to undermine constitutional rights, with significant cases poised for Supreme Court review.

• Political Inaction: A stark contrast is drawn between the proactive efforts of Democratic attorneys general and the inaction of their Republican counterparts, highlighting a partisan divide in the defense of constitutional governance.

Conclusion

This episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast provides an in-depth exploration of the legal battles against the Trump administration's attempts to undermine key cultural, educational, and health institutions. Attorney General Rob Bonta offers critical insights into the strategies employed to protect constitutional rights and ensure the continuation of essential services, painting a comprehensive picture of the ongoing struggle to uphold democracy and the rule of law in the United States.

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