The Trump administration is taking California Governor Gavin Newsom and state officials to court over a series of regulations that have made eggs more expensive for every American — all in the name of “animal welfare.”
On Wednesday, the Department of Justice filed a federal lawsuit targeting California’s egg production laws, accusing the state of violating the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution by imposing burdensome regulations that extend far beyond its borders. The suit names Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and others, arguing that California has no authority to effectively dictate farming practices for the rest of the country.
At the heart of the issue is Proposition 12, a voter-approved measure that bans the sale of eggs in California from hens that are not housed according to the state’s “cage-free” standards — even if those eggs are produced in other states. The DOJ argues that these standards are not grounded in scientific research, do not enhance public health, and serve only to raise prices on American consumers.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, we will use the full extent of federal law to ensure that American families are free from oppressive regulatory burdens and restore American prosperity,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi.
California’s rules require minimum space allocations per hen and elaborate housing conditions, including perches, nest boxes, and dust bathing areas. While activists tout the changes as a win for “animal rights,” the DOJ is calling it what it is: bureaucratic overreach disguised as morality — and a violation of federal commerce and food laws.
According to the lawsuit, California’s regulations have already led to a “significant increase” in egg prices nationwide, with little to no benefit to consumers. In fact, the California Department of Food and Agriculture itself admitted the rules are not based on accepted scientific literature or proven methods for improving food safety.
Yet California has turned these rules into criminal law. Violating them can lead to $1,000 in fines and up to 180 days in jail, or civil penalties under “unfair competition” statutes.
“Bureaucratic red tape and unnecessary regulations implemented by the State of California have made the cost of everyday goods, like eggs, less affordable for Americans,” said DOJ Civil Division Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate.
The lawsuit also highlights the Egg Product Inspection Act, a federal law designed to ensure uniform labeling and safety standards for eggs and egg products across the U.S. The DOJ argues that this Act preempts state-level interference, making California’s unilateral rules unlawful.
Let’s be clear: this is not about keeping people safe or improving food quality. This is about one state imposing its activist-driven agenda on the rest of the country, while American families are left paying more at the grocery store.
