Twelve States Sue Trump Over Alleged Illegal Tariffs

A coalition of 12 US states, led by Democratic attorneys general from states such as Arizona, Oregon, and New York, has filed a lawsuit in the US Court of International Trade challenging President Donald Trump’s imposition of sweeping global tariffs. The states argue that Trump unlawfully bypassed Congress by using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs, claiming that the law was intended only for responding to genuine 'unusual and extraordinary threats'—not to enact broad trade policy changes. The lawsuit seeks to block tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese goods, 25% on Canadian and Mexican products, and 10% on imports from other countries, arguing these measures will harm consumers and state economies. Plaintiffs cite studies and projections from the Federal Reserve and IMF warning that such tariffs will raise prices and fuel inflation for American families. Trump’s tariff actions have also drawn parallel legal challenges from other states and groups, with critics labeling the approach as economically reckless and constitutionally questionable. The Justice Department has not yet responded to the lawsuit.