DOJ Files Lawsuit Against California Over Egg Pricing Laws

Trump Administration Challenges California Egg Price Laws in Federal Court

The Justice Department has filed the California egg price lawsuit, claiming that the state’s animal welfare laws unconstitutionally inflate egg prices nationwide. The suit targets California’s regulations requiring cage-free conditions for egg-laying hens, saying these standards hurt farmers and consumers across state lines.

According to the Trump administration, these laws restrict common agricultural methods and violate federal authority over food labeling and safety.

State Laws Allegedly Raise Costs Nationwide

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court, argues that California’s requirements interfere with the federal Egg Products Inspection Act. That law, established in 1970, already sets national standards for egg safety and packaging.

The Justice Department says California laws create unnecessary red tape and raise egg prices by banning long-standing farming methods. They claim these price hikes harm consumers beyond California’s borders.

The suit specifically names Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta as defendants. It challenges three laws: Proposition 2 (2008), legislation from 2010, and Proposition 12 (2018), all focused on animal confinement standards.

Propositions 2 and 12 Explained

Proposition 2 bans confining hens, veal calves, and pigs in spaces too small for natural movement. Proposition 12 adds minimum space requirements for those animals.

The 2010 law extends those rules to any eggs sold in California, regardless of their origin. This effectively forces out-of-state producers to follow California’s rules if they want access to the state’s massive market.

Federal officials argue this policy reaches too far and interferes with interstate commerce, prompting the California egg price lawsuit.

Political Responses Escalate the Dispute

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins criticized California for increasing costs through its cage-free egg laws. She stated, “It’s one thing for California to make laws for itself—but not for the rest of the country.”

California leaders, however, reject the claims. The Attorney General’s office stated the real issue lies with the President’s economic decisions, not California’s laws. “Pointing fingers won’t fix inflation,” said a DOJ spokesperson.

Governor Newsom’s office responded strongly. “Trump’s back to his favorite hobby: blaming California for literally everything,” it posted on X.

Egg Prices Remain Volatile

The lawsuit comes amid fluctuating egg prices nationwide. After a sharp rise earlier in 2025, prices dipped slightly in May. However, year-over-year data still shows a 41% increase, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Despite the recent drop, the California egg price lawsuit suggests political and legal battles could further affect prices, especially if more states follow California’s lead on animal welfare.

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