AG Mayes Labels Trump Administration Moves as a ‘Coup’ at Tucson Town Hall

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has announced her stance on the actions of the Trump administration and billionaire Elon Musk, labeling them as a “coup” and urging state attorneys general to legally oppose these developments. “I know this is a strong word and strong language, but I believe that we are in the midst of a coup in this country,” Mayes stated at a recent town hall. She emphasized the detrimental impact on both Arizonans and Americans, committing her office to ongoing legal battles against these trends.

Describing the current political climate, Mayes declared, “The American Constitution and our republic is under attack,” claiming that the nation faces greater danger now than it has since the Civil War. Approximately 100 attendees gathered at the YWCA of Southern Arizona, where Mayes addressed housing issues and ongoing lawsuits against the Trump administration and Musk’s actions regarding federal funding and staffing cuts.

In her remarks, Mayes detailed a “housing crisis” affecting the state, highlighting her lawsuit against RealPage for allegedly enabling illegal price-fixing among landlords. She expressed hope that the Trump administration would continue to pursue this case alongside her office. Mayes also pointed out her office’s commitment to enforcing civil rights laws, noting that her predecessor largely neglected the civil rights division.

During the town hall, attendees expressed concerns about housing discrimination and rampant utility charges imposed on mobile home park residents. Mayes responded by promising to establish a “working group” to tackle utility billing issues, particularly focusing on the use of “master meters.” She also discussed her office’s plans to support individuals who have faced discrimination, offering resources to facilitate complaints.

Shifting focus, Mayes criticized the Trump administration, revealing that her office has seven lawsuits filed against it, part of broader coalition efforts to block initiatives led by Musk, who has been positioned as a controversial figure within the federal government. This includes legal action against attempts to eliminate birthright citizenship and halt federal funding cuts, along with measures aiming to prevent widespread federal employee layoffs.

Mayes decried Musk’s alleged control over federal operations, claiming his influence has led to substantial disruptions within governmental structure and services. Her frustrations also extended to Republican members of Congress, whom she accused of failing to acknowledge what she deems a coup. “I don’t know what’s going on with Republican members of Congress. I know they know better,” she remarked.

Looking ahead, Mayes plans to continue her advocacy efforts, including a town hall in Mesa scheduled for April 3 with U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton. She urged the community to engage in various forms of resistance, emphasizing the importance of legal action and community protests to defend democratic values.

In closing, Mayes asserted, “We are responsible for upholding our Constitution,” calling out the unlawful actions stemming from the Trump administration and Musk as serious breaches of governance. “When the executive branch ignores the courts, that’s a coup, and I think we have to call it what it is,” she concluded, underscoring her commitment to safeguarding the rights of her constituents.