California Sues Trump Over Tariffs, Citing Economic Harm and Legal Overreach
California filed a lawsuit Wednesday challenging President Trump’s broad tariffs on foreign imports, arguing he exceeded his authority and harmed the state’s economy. The lawsuit claims Trump’s actions violate the Constitution and misuse the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which does not allow imposing tariffs arbitrarily.
The tariffs include a blanket 10% on all imports, higher rates on countries with trade barriers, and a 145% tariff on China. California argues the tariffs are devastating its economy—especially ports and agriculture—costing jobs and threatening recession. Retaliatory tariffs from China and the EU have intensified the impact.
Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta want a federal judge to stop enforcement, stating California, as the top U.S. importer and a major agricultural exporter, bears the brunt. Experts also question the legality, saying Trump’s justification doesn’t meet the “extraordinary threat” standard required under IEEPA.
The lawsuit joins others filed in New York, Florida, and Montana. The White House defends the tariffs as necessary to address national economic threats.