A dozen states sue to stop Trump’s tariffs

A lawsuit was filed by twelve states on Wednesday, challenging the legality of President Donald Trump’s extensive tariff policies. They argue that the tariffs violate Congress’ constitutional authority to regulate foreign trade. The legal action, spearheaded by Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes and Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, aims to stop the enforcement of the global tariffs imposed by Trump under a wartime law granting presidents trade oversight powers during a national emergency.

The lawsuit, filed by Democratic attorneys general in the U.S. Court of International Trade, criticizes Trump for imposing tariffs on goods entering the U.S. without proper justification, disrupting the economy. Mayes denounced Trump’s tariff plan as both economically reckless and illegal.

New York Attorney General Letitia James warned that the tariffs could lead to inflation, unemployment, and economic harm for U.S. consumers. In response, White House spokesman Kush Desai accused Democrats like James of prioritizing attacks on Trump over the welfare of their constituents.

The lawsuit challenges four executive orders signed by Trump that invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, claiming they do not meet the criteria for national emergencies. It argues that the administration is violating Congress’ power to regulate taxes and duties as outlined in the Constitution.

Amid this legal challenge, there is bipartisan support in Congress to return trade decision-making authority to the legislative branch. Senators Maria Cantwell and Chuck Grassley have co-sponsored a bill requiring the president to notify Congress 48 hours before implementing new tariffs.