SEATTLE—On June 3, the Attorney Generals of Washington, Oregon, and California convened in Seattle for a press conference and Community Impact Town Hall to discuss their collaborative efforts in defending democracy and the rule of law.
The event underscored their achievements in consumer protection, voting rights enforcement, and addressing the ongoing challenges posed by powerful interests aiming to undermine democratic values.
Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown opened the gathering by emphasizing the significance of this unique moment in American history. “It is more important than ever to have people standing up to fight back, to lead, and to address some of the harms we are seeing across the country,” he stated.
Brown expressed pride in his role, highlighting the responsibility of Attorney Generals nationwide to oppose what he described as the lawlessness of the Trump administration.
Joining Brown were newly elected Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield and California Attorney General Rob Bonta, both Democrats who initiated their terms earlier this year. Rayfield previously held positions as Speaker of the House and Chair of the Ways and Means Committee in Oregon.
Bonta, who became California’s 34th Attorney General in 2021, was the first Filipino American to occupy this role. His commitment to justice traces back to his parents’ engagement in pivotal social justice movements. Before his election, he served as San Francisco’s Deputy City Attorney.
The Monday town hall marked the sixth instance of these Attorney Generals convening in such a format, allowing them to engage with the public regarding pressing issues affecting their states.
Following the press conference, AG Brown described the current situation in the U.S. as a crisis. “We have a President that disregards the laws and the separation of powers,” Brown said. “He does what he wants, with such brazen disregard for the truth.”
Washington State, alongside several other Democratic states, has taken the initiative in filing legal challenges against the Trump Administration, which has included a variety of issues affecting citizens.
Attorney General Rayfield, in his remarks, shared a relevant anecdote from a conversation with Oregon Governor Tina Kotek. During Trump’s first term, Kotek frequently observed former Washington AG Bob Ferguson on the news as he took legal action against the federal government. “I’ve compared myself to ‘Oregon’s Bob Ferguson,'” Rayfield remarked, showcasing the ongoing commitment to holding the administration accountable.
With 23 lawsuits initiated against the Trump Administration, Rayfield highlighted the need for transparency in governance. “Back east, we have an administration that constantly makes decisions in the dark without public input. That is not how democracy is supposed to work,” he said.
California under AG Bonta has similarly filed numerous lawsuits against the administration, totaling 23 within just 19 weeks into Trump’s second term. These lawsuits address critical issues, including challenges to birthright citizenship and the protection of essential federal funding for healthcare, housing, and disaster relief.
Reflecting on his upbringing, AG Bonta related his experiences to his current role, stating, “I learned from an early age that people power is the most potent power that there is.” He emphasized that the American people are the true ‘bosses’ of their democracy, stating that engagement and activism are vital for its survival.
During the town hall, the public engagement component highlighted various pressing concerns, one of which was addressed by cancer researcher Paul Nghiem. Nghiem mentioned that his research funding was approved by the NIH before being halted due to federal spending cuts instituted by the Trump administration, stressing the life-or-death implications for his patients pending treatment.
In response to Nghiem’s poignant remarks, AG Brown acknowledged the criticism he faces from State Republicans regarding his focus on national issues. He argued that actions taken at the national level significantly affect Washington residents’ lives.
The town hall also identified significant topics of public concern, including environmental protection, diversity, equity, and inclusion, the impact of Planned Parenthood closures on healthcare access, and the accountability of law enforcement agencies concerning police conduct.
As the meeting culminated, the Attorney Generals reaffirmed their commitment to their states and reinforced the necessity of fighting for justice and equality in an ever-complex landscape of governance and policy.
The gathering served not only as a platform for discussion but also reinforced the importance of collaboration among state leaders to navigate the challenges facing their constituents and uphold the fundamental principles of democracy.
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