A group of 12 states governed by Democrats has filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump’s international trade tariffs, arguing that only Congress has the authority to impose such measures.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade, claims that the tariffs, many of which have not yet been enacted, have created significant uncertainty in the U.S. economy.
Trump has maintained that the tariffs are necessary to make the United States wealthy enough to reduce its dependence on income taxes. In general, when companies face tariffs, they tend to pass the costs onto consumers by raising prices.
The legal action, filed on April 23, was brought by the states of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, and Vermont.
California had previously filed a separate lawsuit over the tariffs earlier this month. Many of these same states have also filed lawsuits against Trump over various other executive decisions, including the cancellation of international student visas and the halting of federal funds.
Trump’s announcement of the tariffs, which he referred to as a “Liberation Day” initiative, was made earlier this month. He argued that foreign nations have engaged in unfair trade practices against the U.S. and justified the tariffs by citing an emergency power granted by Congress.
However, the 12 Democratic states claim that Trump is abusing this authority.
The President has defended the tariffs, stating that they will incentivize companies to bring production back to the United States. In a social media post on April 20, Trump expressed confidence that the world is recognizing the seriousness of the U.S. stance.
“It’s good to see that the world knows we are serious, because WE ARE!” Trump wrote. “They must right the wrongs of decades of abuse, but it won’t be easy for them. We must rebuild the wealth of our great country and create true Reciprocity. But for those who want the easiest path: Come to America, and build in America!”