Half of U.S. States Sue Trump Administration Over New Tariffs

Twenty-five U.S. states, many led by Democrats, have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration challenging new tariffs imposed in July on imports from 59 countries, including the European Union, Japan, and Australia.

The states contend that these new tariffs are a pretext to replace earlier ones that the Supreme Court struck down in February as unconstitutional. The court ruled that only Congress, not the president, has the authority to set U.S. customs policy as part of tax policy.

President Trump replaced the invalidated tariffs with much lower temporary ones, which expired after 100 days. He then imposed higher tariffs, citing the U.S. Trade Act, which allows the president to impose tariffs under certain conditions. Trump claims these tariffs will revitalize American manufacturing, reversing decades of policy favoring lower tariffs and freer trade.

New York Attorney General Letitia James stated, "After losing in the Supreme Court (in February), this administration is again trying to illegally increase taxes on families and businesses by imposing a new round of tariffs."

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After losing in the Supreme Court (in February), this administration is again trying to illegally increase taxes on families and businesses by imposing a new round of tariffs.