California AG Criticizes DOJ Antitrust Firing and Trump's Affordability Policies

CA Attorney General Press Releases

Published February 12th, 2026

Detected February 12th, 2026

Summary

California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a statement criticizing the firing of the DOJ Antitrust Division chief and the Trump administration's policies, which he argues harm affordability for Americans. The statement highlights California's commitment to consumer protection and antitrust enforcement.

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What changed

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued a statement criticizing the recent firing of Gail Slater, head of the U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division, and framing it as part of the Trump administration's broader pattern of undermining federal watchdogs responsible for consumer affordability. The statement specifically references actions against the CFPB and the imposition of tariffs, arguing that these policies prioritize corporate interests over the economic well-being of American families.

This notice serves as a public statement of the California AG's position and does not impose new direct obligations on regulated entities. However, it signals a continued focus on antitrust enforcement and consumer protection by the California Department of Justice, which has launched an antitrust complaint form for reporting anticompetitive conduct. Companies operating in California should be aware of the AG's stance and the potential for increased scrutiny in antitrust matters.

Source document (simplified)

Attorney General Bonta Responds to U.S. DOJ Antitrust Firing, Trump's Continuing Attacks on Affordability

Press Release
Attorney General Bonta Responds to U.S. DOJ Antitrust Firing… Thursday, February 12, 2026 Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued the following statement regarding the firing of Gail Slater, head of the U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division, an action that continues the Trump Administration’s relentless attacks on the federal watchdogs responsible for keeping life affordable for Americans:

“From President Trump’s efforts to dismantle the CFPB, to instituting tariffs that have raised prices on nearly everything, and now, firing the head of the federal DOJ’s antitrust office tasked with protecting fairness in the marketplace, it’s abundantly clear: The Trump Administration is more concerned with protecting corporate interests than making life affordable for American families. While our billionaire President may dismiss 'affordability' as a hoax, people across the nation are being forced to pay increasingly higher bills with increasingly emptier wallets. Allowing big corporations to raise prices and push competitors out of the marketplace with impunity will only worsen this crisis. While the federal government has abdicated its responsibility to look out for people’s economic wellbeing — in California, we never will. My office has led the nation in consumer protection and antitrust work for decades, and we will continue to do so. While President Trump is abandoning the economy that everyday Americans experience, we are standing up to tackle America's affordability crisis.”

Antitrust enforcement is an essential component of a healthy economy. Competitive marketplaces established through antitrust vigilance help consumers by ensuring fair prices for goods and services, an array of products to choose from, quality goods and services, and the steady introduction of innovative new products. As part of the Attorney General’s commitment to enforce antitrust laws, the California Department of Justice has launched an Antitrust Complaint Form for people to report anticompetitive conduct that potentially violates the antitrust laws.