A group of 12 U.S. states has filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump, challenging the legality of his sweeping new tariffs that have shaken global markets and drawn backlash from both domestic and international stakeholders.
Led by Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, the coalition argues that Trump’s aggressive tariff policies—which include a staggering 145% import duty on Chinese goods—are unconstitutional. The states claim the president overstepped his authority by imposing these trade levies without congressional approval.
In a statement, Mayes said, “Trump’s insane tariff scheme is not only economically reckless, but also illegal.”
The Democratic-led states, including Minnesota, New York, and Oregon, joined Arizona in filing the suit on Wednesday. This comes just a week after California launched a similar legal challenge.
President Trump, now in his second term, has intensified his “Liberation Day” trade strategy, targeting numerous countries with increased import taxes. His administration insists these measures are meant to protect American jobs and industries. However, China has already responded with retaliatory tariffs of 125% on U.S. exports, escalating tensions between the two largest economies.
In comments to reporters, Trump defended the move, saying, “We’re working on a fair deal with China. Other nations have taken advantage of us for too long.”
The lawsuit argues that the 1977 law Trump cited does not give him the right to impose such emergency tariffs. “By claiming the authority to impose immense and ever-changing tariffs on whatever goods entering the United States he chooses, for whatever reason he finds convenient to declare an emergency, the President has upended the constitutional order and brought chaos to the American economy,” the states argued in court filings.
No Comment! Be the first one.