A coalition of 12 US states filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on Wednesday, challenging the legality of tariffs imposed through executive orders and calling them a threat to economic stability. The lawsuit, led by attorneys general from Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, and others, was submitted to the US Court of International Trade in New York.
The plaintiffs argue that former President Donald Trump abused emergency powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, claiming tariffs lacked congressional approval and were “unlawful.” New York Attorney General Letitia James stated, “His tariffs are unlawful and if not stopped, they will lead to more inflation, unemployment, and economic damage.” The lawsuit follows a similar action by California earlier this month.
Critics allege the tariffs, announced on April 2 via executive order, disrupted markets and increased consumer costs. New York Governor Kathy Hochul described them as having “unleashed economic chaos.” In response, White House spokesperson Kush Desai defended the measures as necessary to address a “national emergency” impacting US industries.
The legal challenge highlights deepening divisions over US trade strategy, with plaintiffs accusing Trump of bypassing constitutional checks. Analysts warn the outcome could set precedents for presidential authority in trade policy amid global backlash.
