California Governor Files Suit Against Trump’s Controversial Tariffs

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — California is preparing to challenge President Donald Trump’s tariffs in court, with Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta announcing plans to file a lawsuit on Wednesday. The state’s leaders claim the tariffs are illegal and have been wreaking havoc on California’s economy, businesses, and families.

Newsom described the tariffs as ‘unlawful’ and emphasized their detrimental effects, stating, “President Trump’s unlawful tariffs are wreaking chaos on California families, businesses and our economy, driving up prices and threatening jobs.” The governor urged the legal action as a necessary step to protect the state’s economic stability amid the ongoing trade tensions.

The complaint, set to be filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, argues that the U.S. Constitution gives Congress, not the president, the authority to impose tariffs. The legal framework for Trump’s tariffs stems from the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA), which the lawsuit claims does not permit the president to act unilaterally.

Bonta reiterated the urgency of the situation, stating, “The president’s chaotic and haphazard implementation of tariffs is not only deeply troubling, it’s illegal. Californians are bracing for fallout from the impact of the president’s choices.” He added that the evolving trade policies have immediate and far-reaching consequences for families and small businesses across California.

President Trump has defended his implementation of tariffs, citing the need for “fair trade” and claiming it protects American workers. Earlier this month, he announced a 10% tariff on a vast array of imported goods, while maintaining 25% tariffs on products from Canada and Mexico.

The lawsuit marks a significant escalation in California’s ongoing legal battles with the Trump administration, which has included multiple lawsuits challenging various executive orders. It signals California’s proactive approach in addressing national policies that directly impact its economy, which ranks as one of the largest in the world.

Under current economic conditions, California has reported major trade volumes with its top trading partners, including Canada, Mexico, and China. Any disruption in these relationships due to imposed tariffs could potentially lead to severe economic consequences, as the state is heavily reliant on international trade.

“No state is poised to lose more than the state of California,” Newsom highlighted, emphasizing the stakes involved in the pending lawsuit. California generates more than $675 billion in two-way trade annually, making it a vital player in global commerce. The impact of tariffs has been particularly felt in industries reliant on exports, including agriculture, which accounted for over $24 billion in agricultural exports last year.

In anticipation of filing the lawsuit, Newsom expressed confidence in California’s position, stating that the state is the first to act against the federal government’s tariff policies in court. “We’ve been talking to other states, and we’re the first mover. That’s what California does,” the governor asserted.

As the situation unfolds, both Newsom and Bonta are expected to highlight the broad implications of Trump’s tariff strategy on California’s economic landscape during a press conference later in the day.