25 U.S. states sue Trump administration over customs tariffs

A coalition of 25 U.S. states has taken legal action against the Trump administration, challenging tariffs imposed on goods from 60 trade partners. Led by the Attorneys General of California, Arizona, and Oregon, the group filed a lawsuit with the U.S. Court of International Trade, seeking to overturn the tariffs announced last month.

The lawsuit contends that the administration overstepped its legal authority under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 and violated the Administrative Procedure Act. The state attorneys general argue that the tariffs lack a genuine justification, are not aimed at targeting forced labor practices, and aim to reintroduce tariffs previously found unlawful by courts.

The states are requesting the court to determine the tariffs unlawful, to halt their implementation, and to refund the duties collected. The coalition includes Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin. Governors from Kentucky and Pennsylvania have also expressed support for the coalition.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta criticized the administration's actions, stating, "President Trump is so determined to increase the cost of living for Americans that he is willing to repeatedly violate the law to do so." He noted this is the third attempt by the Trump administration to unlawfully implement tariffs, and the third lawsuit filed against such overreach. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes added that the tariffs increase prices for consumers, burden small businesses with higher costs, and create economic uncertainty.