12 states sue Trump over tariff actions, saying it has “brought chaos to the American economy”

A group of twelve states has taken legal action against the Trump administration’s tariff policy, filing a lawsuit in the U.S. Court of International Trade in New York. The states, including Oregon, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, and Vermont, argue that the policy is unlawful and has caused chaos in the American economy.

The lawsuit challenges President Trump’s assertion that he has the authority to impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The plaintiffs argue that the president’s actions have been arbitrary and not based on a sound exercise of lawful authority. They are seeking a court ruling declaring the tariffs illegal and blocking government agencies and officials from enforcing them.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes described Trump’s tariff scheme as “insane” and “economically reckless.” Connecticut Attorney General William Tong criticized the tariffs as a burden on families and businesses in his state. In response, White House spokesman Kush Desai accused Democratic attorneys general of pursuing a witch hunt against the president and defended the administration’s use of tariffs to address national emergencies.

The lawsuit contends that only Congress has the power to impose tariffs and that the president can only invoke the International Emergency Economic Powers Act in response to an “unusual and extraordinary threat” from abroad. The plaintiffs argue that Trump’s actions have disrupted the constitutional order and created uncertainty in the American economy.

Last week, California Governor Gavin Newsom filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in U.S. District Court, citing potential revenue losses for the state due to the tariff policy. White House spokesperson Kush Desai reiterated the administration’s commitment to addressing the national emergency through various means, including tariffs and negotiations.

The legal challenge against the Trump administration’s tariff policy highlights the ongoing debate over presidential authority in trade matters and the potential economic impact of tariffs on states and businesses. The outcome of the lawsuit could have significant implications for future trade policy decisions.