Former Trump Attorney John Eastman Disbarred in California
SAN FRANCISCO — The States United Democracy Center released the following statement in response to the California Supreme Court permanently disbarring former Trump attorney John Eastman.
Christine P. Sun, Senior Vice President of Legal at the States United Democracy Center:
“Eastman played a central role in the plot to overturn the 2020 election—pressuring state officials, advancing baseless claims in court, and promoting a fringe theory that the vice president could reject certified electoral votes. His unethical actions have had real, lasting consequences for our democracy, and we applaud the California Supreme Court’s decision to disbar him.
This decision is part of a broader reckoning for those who seek to undermine the rule of law in this country. While Trump tries to consolidate power, the states and courts continue to successfully check executive overreach and the unlawful actions of his administration.
As we look to this year’s midterm elections and beyond, the California Supreme Court has sent a clear message: Lawyers who misuse their power to undermine our free and fair elections will face severe consequences.”
Key background on Eastman’s disbarment:
- October 4, 2021: States United files the initial bar complaint against Eastman in California, providing evidence of Eastman’s misconduct. The complaint was supported by 25 bipartisan signatories, including former federal and California state supreme court judges, numerous former Republican officials, leading law professors and the Bush and Obama White House ethics advisors.
- January 26, 2023: California State Bar files 11 disciplinary charges against Eastman, followed by a 35-day trial.
- March 27, 2024: Eastman was effectively suspended from practicing law in California, when a trial judge first recommended disbarment.
- May 3, 2024: Eastman was effectively suspended from practicing law in D.C., following the order in CA.
- June 13, 2025: The CA State Bar Court’s recommendation was later reaffirmed on review, including findings that certain misconduct was intentional.
- April 15, 2026: California Supreme Court finalizes Eastman’s disbarment.
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About the States United Democracy Center
States United is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the rule of law and free, fair, secure elections. We provide direct support to state officials and law enforcement leaders as they uphold the law and our system of checks and balances, protect public safety, defend elections, and preserve our democracy. For more information, visit statesunited.org.