12 US States Sue Trump Over Tariff Policy
A coalition of 12 US states has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in the US Court of International Trade in New York, seeking to block former President Donald Trump’s tariff policy. The states argue that the tariffs are both unlawful and economically reckless, accusing Trump of bypassing Congress and destabilizing the national economy.
Plaintiff States: Oregon, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, and Vermont.
Legal Basis: The lawsuit challenges Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), arguing that the president does not have the authority to arbitrarily impose tariffs under this law. The states contend that only Congress has the constitutional power to levy tariffs, and that the IEEPA can only be invoked in response to an “unusual and extraordinary threat” from abroad—not to make sweeping changes to trade policy.
Economic Impact: The states claim the tariffs have caused chaos in the US economy, harming businesses and consumers, and that the policy has been driven by presidential “whims” rather than sound legal authority.
Statements from Officials:
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, a lead plaintiff, called the tariff regime “insane,” stating, “This is not only economically reckless — it is illegal”.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong described the tariffs as “a tax on families and a disaster for businesses and jobs”.
What the Lawsuit Seeks:
A court declaration that Trump’s tariffs are illegal.
An injunction to prevent federal agencies and officials from enforcing the tariff policy.
The lawsuit accuses the Trump administration of abusing emergency powers to sidestep Congress and impose tariffs, especially on goods from Asia and Europe. Critics argue this has upended the constitutional order and created instability in US trade policy.
Last week, California Governor Gavin Newsom also filed a separate suit against the Trump administration over the same tariff policy, citing significant economic harm to his state.
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of States | 12 |
| States Involved | OR, AZ, CO, CT, DE, IL, ME, MN, NV, NM, NY, VT |
| Court | US Court of International Trade, New York |
| Main Legal Argument | Only Congress can impose tariffs; IEEPA use was unlawful |
| Key Criticism | Policy is “reckless,” “insane,” and based on presidential “whims” |
| Desired Outcome | Tariffs declared illegal, enforcement blocked |
