California Attorney John Eastman Disbarred for Role in 2020 Election Overturn Efforts
The California Supreme Court has ordered the disbarment of John Eastman, a former law professor and key adviser to Donald Trump, for his role in attempting to overturn the 2020 U.S. presidential election results. The court struck Eastman's name from the state roll of attorneys, concluding a yearslong disciplinary process initiated by the State Bar of California. Officials cited clear evidence that Eastman advanced false claims about election fraud to mislead courts, public officials, and the public, violating professional integrity standards. Eastman had devised a legal strategy urging then-Vice President Mike Pence to reject legitimate electoral votes during the January 6 congressional certification. While Eastman’s legal team argues the decision infringes on First Amendment rights and plans to seek U.S. Supreme Court review, democracy advocates welcomed the ruling as a necessary accountability measure. Although Eastman faced criminal charges in Georgia, those were dismissed, and he received a federal pardon from Trump in November 2025. This ruling specifically addresses his professional conduct under California law, independent of federal criminal liabilities.
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California Attorney John Eastman Disbarred for Role in 2020 Election Overturn Efforts
The California Supreme Court has ordered the disbarment of John Eastman, a former law professor and key adviser to Donald Trump, for his role in attempting to overturn the 2020 U.S. presidential election results. The court struck Eastman's name from the state roll of attorneys, concluding a yearslong disciplinary process initiated by the State Bar of California. Officials cited clear evidence that Eastman advanced false claims about election fraud to mislead courts, public officials, and the public, violating professional integrity standards. Eastman had devised a legal strategy urging then-Vice President Mike Pence to reject legitimate electoral votes during the January 6 congressional certification. While Eastman’s legal team argues the decision infringes on First Amendment rights and plans to seek U.S. Supreme Court review, democracy advocates welcomed the ruling as a necessary accountability measure. Although Eastman faced criminal charges in Georgia, those were dismissed, and he received a federal pardon from Trump in November 2025. This ruling specifically addresses his professional conduct under California law, independent of federal criminal liabilities.
AP News