The legal battle over Trump’s reciprocal tariffs is heating up, as California Governor Gavin Newsom announced plans to sue the federal government to block the sweeping trade measures. Newsom, along with state Attorney General Rob Bonta, will file the lawsuit in the Northern District of California on Wednesday, arguing that the tariffs are unconstitutional and economically damaging.
Tariffs Under Fire
Earlier this month, former President Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs of up to 50% on key trading partners. Though these rates were temporarily paused, a 10% levy remains in place for most countries. Newsom slammed the move, saying, “President Trump’s unlawful tariffs are wreaking chaos on California families, businesses, and our economy.”
The lawsuit calls for the court to declare Trump’s tariffs void and prevent their enforcement. According to Newsom’s office, California—ranked as the world’s fifth-largest economy—is particularly vulnerable due to its deep reliance on global trade, including through the Port of Los Angeles, the nation’s busiest.
Emergency Powers Questioned
Trump’s administration invoked the International Economic Emergency Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA) to justify the tariffs, claiming a national emergency based on large, persistent U.S. trade deficits. The law allows the president to act swiftly during “unusual and extraordinary threats” to national security.
But critics argue that trade deficits, which have existed for decades, do not qualify as such a threat. The California lawsuit contends that IEEPA was never intended to give the president unilateral authority to impose wide-reaching economic measures like tariffs.
It also claims that such actions should require congressional approval, especially when they carry broad economic consequences. The legal challenge argues that Trump’s move bypasses democratic checks and balances, creating economic uncertainty without proper oversight.
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National Pushback Builds
California’s legal challenge is not the first. Earlier this week, the Liberty Justice Center filed a separate lawsuit in the U.S. Court of International Trade on behalf of five small businesses. That case similarly disputes Trump’s use of emergency powers, stating that the administration’s reasoning is flawed and politically driven.
The Liberty Justice Center further pointed out that some countries targeted by the tariffs do not even have trade deficits with the U.S., further weakening the administration’s rationale.
Political Stakes Rise
Newsom’s pushback adds to his growing national profile. Elected governor in 2018, he is frequently mentioned as a potential future Democratic presidential candidate. His lawsuit is framed not only as a legal move but also a defense of everyday Americans.
“We are standing up for American families who can’t afford to let the chaos continue,” Newsom stated. He emphasized that unchecked tariffs raise prices, threaten jobs, and harm businesses across California and beyond.
With mounting lawsuits and economic pressure, Trump’s tariff policy now faces serious legal and political challenges that could reshape the future of U.S. trade strategy.
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