25 states sue Trump administration over latest round of tariffs

A coalition of 25 states has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging the legality of a new round of sweeping tariffs imposed last month. The states argue that the administration exceeded its authority by enacting these import duties, which target 60 economies with rates between 10% and 12.5%.

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This is President Trump's third attempt to illegally impose tariffs that would make life more expensive for American families and small businesses, and this is the third time we're taking the administration to court over this misuse of power.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta stated that this marks the third time the administration has been taken to court over such a "misuse of power." The tariffs, enacted under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, are authorized for use against countries engaging in unfair trade practices. The administration cited trading partners' insufficient action against imports produced with forced labor as justification for the new levies.

A White House spokesman defended the policies, asserting the U.S. is using its "lawful authority to obtain the elimination of unreasonable acts, policies and practices that burden U.S. commerce." The spokesman added that Section 301 tariffs have proven to be a "legally durable tool." However, the states' lawsuit contends the tariffs are not genuinely aimed at addressing forced labor but are instead a White House effort to circumvent a Supreme Court decision that struck down previous levies in February. They also argue that the investigation leading to the increased tariffs was rushed and overly broad.

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The United States is using its lawful authority to obtain the elimination of unreasonable acts, policies and practices that burden U.S. commerce.

"Tariffs are taxes, and the American people cannot and should not shoulder the extra costs that come from the president's failed and illegal economic policy," Bonta declared. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade. The states joining California include Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.

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Tariffs are taxes, and the American people cannot and should not shoulder the extra costs that come from the president's failed and illegal economic policy, no matter how much the President wants them to.