Trump DOJ Sues California—EV Mandate CRUSHED

President Trump’s DOJ just sued California to dismantle its illegal EV mandate, delivering a major win for American auto workers and consumer freedom against Newsom’s radical green overreach.

Story Highlights

DOJ and NHTSA file lawsuits in federal courts to block California’s “Clean Truck Partnership” and EV rules as unlawful circumventions of federal law.
Trump signed CRA resolutions on June 12, 2025, revoking Biden-era EPA waivers that enabled California’s 2035 gas car phaseout.
Auto industry cheers the move, citing harm to affordability, choice, and jobs from forced EV mandates.
Federal preemption under Clean Air Act trumps state efforts impacting one-third of U.S. auto market.
Ongoing litigation pits Trump administration against Newsom’s CARB, with courts to decide national standards.

DOJ Launches Federal Lawsuits Against California

The U.S. Department of Justice, led by Attorney General Pamela Bondi, filed complaints on behalf of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the Eastern District of California and Northern District of Illinois. These suits target the California Air Resources Board’s enforcement of electric vehicle mandates through state-specific mileage requirements for manufacturers. Federal law prohibits such state rules, which conflict with national fuel economy standards. A parallel appellate filing seeks to enjoin the “Clean Truck Partnership,” deemed an illegal workaround after waiver revocation. Acting Assistant AG Adam Gustafson stressed enforcement of federal supremacy.

Trump Revokes Biden-Era Waivers via Congressional Review Act

On June 12, 2025, President Trump signed Congressional Review Act resolutions passed by Congress, nullifying EPA waivers granted in Biden’s final days. Those waivers allowed California to impose stricter emissions standards, including a 2035 phaseout of gas-powered passenger cars and diesel truck cleanups. California’s history of waivers addressed smog in Los Angeles and the Central Valley, but federal preemption under the Clean Air Act overrides rules affecting interstate commerce. Trump’s first term revoked similar waivers in 2019; this escalates to direct litigation against voluntary partnerships enforcing preempted standards.

Auto Industry Supports Federal Action for Consumer Choice

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, led by CEO John Bozzella, backs the lawsuits, arguing EV mandates harm affordability, consumer choice, and U.S. competitiveness. California’s rules influence 10+ states, covering one-third of the U.S. auto market. Uniform federal standards protect jobs and promote reliable gas vehicles amid grid strains from EV pushes. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin align with industry, rolling back policies that threatened auto sector destruction. This counters globalist agendas forcing unproven tech on families facing high costs.

California Governor Gavin Newsom and AG Rob Bonta defend state authority, countersuing over CRA use and securing EV infrastructure funds. Newsom’s executive order directs CARB to draft new mandates and list compliant makers. Litigation continues, with experts noting debates on CRA applicability from Senate Parliamentarian and GAO. Trump declares the rules fully preempted, escalating his feud with Newsom on multiple fronts. Short-term impacts delay enforcement, boost gas sales; long-term could dismantle the 2035 model, prioritizing American energy independence.

Trump DOJ Sues California to Kill Illegal EV Mandatehttps://t.co/SdmAQXg6AQ

— RedState (@RedState) March 12, 2026

Broader Implications for American Families and Economy

Federal victory would halt overreach eroding consumer freedom to choose affordable vehicles, aligning with conservative values of limited government and individual liberty. California’s push risks highway fund cuts and sanctions for smog non-compliance, while saving auto jobs nationwide. EV jobs in California clash with broader economic reality: mandates inflate prices, strain infrastructure, and ignore family budgets hammered by past inflation. Uniform rules foster competition, rejecting woke climate extremism that prioritizes agendas over practical solutions. Court outcomes will shape national policy.