President Donald Trump’s drastic tariffs face major legal challenges from New York and 11 other states, claiming that the president has stepped over his authority and put the US economy at risk by imposing them without Congressional approval.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade, challenges Trump’s use of emergency under the International Emergency Economic Force Act (IEPA) to impose broad tariffs on imports from countries around the world.
“Once again, Democrats like Letitia James have prioritized witch hunts against President Trump on protecting the safety and well-being of their members,” White House spokesman Kush Desai wrote exclusively in Fox News Digital. “The Trump administration is committed to using full legal authority to tackle the clear national emergency our country is currently facing, both of which are the annual US trade deficits, where illegal migration and fentanyl flows are exploding across the border.”
However, 12 states argue that the constitution empowers Congress, not the president, to impose taxes and tariffs, and that Ieepa never intended to approve trade policies on this scale.
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Twelve states are suing the Trump administration over tariffs. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)
“President Trump’s reckless tariffs have skyrocketed consumer costs and unleashed economic turmoil across the country,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “New York is rising to combat the biggest federal tax hike in American history. Attorney General James and I are partnering in this lawsuit on behalf of New York consumers because President Trump cannot put our country in a recession.”
“The president has no authority to raise taxes on a whim,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James. “His customs duties are illegal and if not stopped it would lead to more inflation, unemployment and economic damage.”
Since February 2025, Trump has signed multiple executive orders that impose new tariffs on Canada, Mexico, China and almost all other US trading partners.
The administration cited national emergency as a basis for tariffs, including drug trafficking, illegal immigration and unfair trade practices. The state in the suit argues that the president’s justification is vague and legally inadequate.
Inaugurated in 1977, Ieepa allows the president to respond to certain international threats, such as terrorism and hostile foreign actors. However, the lawsuit says there is no president 48 years after its passage used it to impose tariffs.
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The complaint alleges that the new tariffs were imposed without the legislative findings necessary to justify Congress’ approval or drastic trade measures.
The lawsuit also argues that tariffs are not related to certain “anomalous and extraordinary” threats, as required under Ieepa, which the Trump administration cited as its authority. The state argues that tariffs will significantly raise consumer prices, promote inflation, lead to unemployment and create widespread economic instability.
President Donald Trump will speak at an event announcing new tariffs at the White House Rose Garden on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, as Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick listens. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Legal challenges are not focused solely on economics. They argue that tariffs are unconstitutional because tariffs deprive parliamentary powers over taxes and trade. The lawsuit also argues that the administration’s changing policies (which they often claim to be changed by executive orders or social media) have created disruption in trade and financial markets.
Supporters of the Trump administration say tariffs are a bold move to protect American industry and right up the long-standing trade imbalances.
At a press conference in February 2025, President Trump said: [with past tariffs]…It will enrich our country,” he frags the measures as a continuation of his American primary economic agenda.
However, the lawsuit paints another picture of legal overreach and lack of transparency. If President Trump is allowed to act, the future president claims that taxes can be imposed on the label of emergency authority.
President Donald Trump speaks at a “wealthy American” trade announcement event held at the White House Rose Garden on April 2, 2025. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Trump administration vocal critics, Governor Hochul and Attorney General James often clashed with the president on a variety of issues, from immigration to environmental policy. This latest lawsuit marks another famous conflict.
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Alongside New York, he joined Arizona Attorney General, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon and Vermont.
The Union is asking the courts to block further enforcement of tariffs and declare invalid orders under both constitutional and federal law.
Jasmine is a writer for Fox News Digital and is a New Orleans-based military spouse. Stories can be sent to jasmine.baehr@fox.com
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