Eggs might seem like an unlikely cause for a national legal battle—but they’re right at the center of a major lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice.
On Wednesday, federal officials took legal action against the State of California and several of its top leaders, claiming that California’s laws around poultry and egg production are overstepping federal authority and making breakfast more expensive for Americans across the country.
Feds Take Aim at California’s Farm Regulations
The lawsuit targets California Governor Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and other state officials, accusing them of creating complicated and costly regulations that affect egg and poultry producers beyond state borders.
According to the Justice Department, these laws conflict with the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which says federal law trumps state rules.
The federal government argues that California’s laws force out-of-state farmers to follow stricter, more expensive standards—driving up egg prices nationwide.
Higher Prices at the Store Blamed on State Laws
At the heart of the legal fight is the claim that California’s requirements are making it more difficult and expensive for farmers across the country to produce and sell eggs.
The Department of Justice says this not only interferes with nationwide agricultural practices but also violates the Egg Products Inspection Act, which already sets clear national standards for how eggs should be labeled, packaged, and handled.
By adding its own rules on top of that, California is essentially blocking farmers from using traditional, cost-effective methods—and consumers, the DOJ says, are the ones paying the price.
DOJ Says Families Are Feeling the Squeeze
Attorney General Pam Bondi didn’t hold back in her statement, linking the lawsuit to broader frustrations over inflation.
“Families across America have been hit hard by the rising cost of basics like eggs,” she said.
“Thanks to President Trump’s direction, we’re using every federal tool available to push back against excessive regulation and bring affordability back to the table.”
Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate echoed that message, criticizing California’s “bureaucratic red tape” and promising that the DOJ is committed to easing these burdens on families.
Trump-Era Deregulation Agenda Continues
This lawsuit is part of a larger federal push that started during President Trump’s administration.
On day one of his presidency, he called on agencies to dismantle what he called a “crushing regulatory burden” that was driving up costs for everyday goods.
This legal move against California is one of several recent actions the Department of Justice has taken in that spirit—targeting what it sees as state-level overreach that hurts national consumers.
A Bigger Fight Over State vs. Federal Power
Beyond the eggs themselves, this case taps into a much broader and ongoing debate: how much control should individual states have over issues that affect the whole country?
California has long passed laws with nationwide impact, especially in areas like agriculture and environmental standards.
Now, the DOJ is drawing a legal line, saying there’s a limit—and California’s crossed it.