Michael Gates, who has served as the city attorney for Huntington Beach for the past ten years, has been appointed as a deputy assistant attorney general in the U.S. Department of Justice’s civil rights division. Gates announced his new role in a statement on Monday, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the American public during a critical time. He emphasized his commitment to advancing President Trump’s "America First" agenda, aiming to restore law and order across the nation and rebuild trust in the justice system.
At 49 years old, Gates joins the Justice Department under the leadership of newly confirmed U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, a staunch ally of Trump. Bondi has indicated that her administration will focus on reforming the Justice Department, which faced scrutiny during the Biden administration, particularly regarding its investigations into Trump. Key priorities for Bondi include securing election integrity and addressing issues related to sanctuary cities.
In an interview, Gates, a vocal supporter of Trump since 2015, reiterated his belief that the president was elected to restore values and order that he feels have been compromised in the country. He expressed enthusiasm about contributing to this restoration effort, stating, "We need to put America back to where it was… a nation of laws."
Gates gained prominence in Orange County for his aggressive legal tactics as Huntington Beach’s city attorney, often clashing with California’s Democratic leadership. His most recent legal action involved a lawsuit against the state concerning California’s sanctuary law, which he and the city argue is unconstitutional. This aligns with the broader opposition from the Trump administration against similar laws during its tenure.
As a charter city, Huntington Beach has leveraged its status to challenge state laws, particularly regarding housing mandates and voter ID requirements. Gates has argued that this status allows the city to resist state regulations that it considers overreaching. His legal battles have positioned Huntington Beach as a focal point for conservative resistance against California’s liberal policies.
In his resignation announcement, Gates recommended that Chief Assistant City Attorney Mike Vigliotta succeed him, signaling a desire for continuity in leadership. Gates, a lifelong Republican and a Huntington Beach native, holds degrees from Pepperdine University and Chapman University’s law school. His tenure was not without controversy, as he faced a lawsuit from former employees alleging age and disability discrimination, which was settled out of court.
Looking ahead, Gates expressed optimism about Huntington Beach’s role in shaping California’s political landscape. He believes that the city can serve as a model for other municipalities in the state seeking to assert their local governance against state mandates. "Huntington Beach really is the ‘land of the free and home of the brave’ here in California," he stated, underscoring his commitment to the city’s conservative values and legal battles.