Bonta says Trump administration ‘accepted defeat’ in mission to yank California transportation funding

Published January 14, 2026 10:46am ET



California Attorney General Rob Bonta took a victory lap Wednesday as he said the Trump administration “accepted defeat” in trying to impose immigration enforcement requirements in exchange for transportation funds.

The Department of Justice dropped its appeal on Tuesday of a court decision mandating that it not block funding to states that don’t accept their immigration requirements.

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.