Twelve States Sue Trump Administration Over New Tariffs, Citing Constitutional Overreach

A group of 12 states is taking legal action against the Trump administration, challenging the president’s authority to impose new tariffs without congressional approval. The case, filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade, contends that President Donald Trump has overstepped his legal bounds by using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to levy import duties.

The administration argues that the IEEPA grants the president the authority to respond to "unusual and extraordinary threats"—which, in this case, includes trade imbalances and the border fentanyl crisis. The White House claims this justifies emergency tariffs aimed at addressing both national security and economic concerns.

However, the lawsuit claims this is an unconstitutional overreach. It points to the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress—not the executive branch—the sole authority to impose taxes and duties. The plaintiffs argue that using emergency powers in this context undermines the legislative process.

“Arizona cannot afford this Trump tax increase,” one state official stated. “Make no mistake, no matter what Orwellian doublespeak the White House uses, tariffs are taxes.”

The challenge arrives as President Trump threatens to shorten the 90-day negotiation window on new reciprocal tariffs. “We’re going to have great deals,” the president said. “And by the way, if we don’t have a deal with a country, we’re going to set the tariff.”

Economists warn that tariffs imposed on foreign goods are often passed down to U.S. consumers, raising prices across various industries.

The legal battle could have sweeping implications for trade policy and presidential authority, as states push back against what they view as executive overreach.

Credit: CNN Newsource

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