Tariff Tensions Rise: States Accuse Trump of Overstepping Authority

A coalition of 12 Democratic-led states has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, aiming to block a series of sweeping tariffs they argue were imposed unlawfully and have wreaked havoc on the U.S. economy.

The legal challenge, spearheaded by attorneys general from states including New York, California, Oregon, and Illinois, contends that President Trump’s recent tariffs—enacted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)—exceed the executive branch’s authority and bypass Congress’s constitutional role in regulating trade.

“These tariffs have brought chaos to our economy, inflating prices for everyday goods and burdening working families,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James. “The President does not have the unilateral power to impose such sweeping economic measures without clear congressional authorisation.”

The contested tariffs include a 145% levy on most products from China, a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, and 10% tariffs on imports from numerous other countries. Critics argue that these measures have led to increased costs for consumers and businesses alike, disrupting supply chains and stoking inflation.

The lawsuit seeks a court order declaring the tariffs unlawful and an injunction preventing federal agencies from enforcing them. It also aims to halt the implementation of additional tariffs scheduled to take effect on July 9.

Legal experts note that the IEEPA, enacted in 1977, grants the President certain powers to address national emergencies but was not intended to serve as a blanket authority for imposing tariffs. “Using IEEPA in this manner raises serious constitutional questions about the separation of powers,” said constitutional law professor Ilya Somin.

The Trump administration has defended its actions, asserting that the tariffs are necessary to protect national security and American industries. However, the lack of a declared national emergency and the broad scope of the tariffs have fueled bipartisan concerns about executive overreach.

As the legal battle unfolds, businesses and consumers across the country are grappling with the economic fallout. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches and the future of U.S. trade policy.