Islamabad, 25 Apr, 2025: 12 US States Sue the federal government in a significant legal move aimed at challenging the legality of former President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariff policies.
The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday, argues that the imposition of these levies exceeded presidential authority and bypassed the constitutional role of Congress in setting trade regulations.
Led by Arizona, the coalition includes several other Democrat-leaning states such as Minnesota, Oregon, and New York.
This legal action comes shortly after California initiated a similar complaint, marking a broader Democratic effort to curtail what they describe as economic overreach by the former administration.
At the heart of the case is the claim that the 1977 statute used by Trump to justify emergency tariff measures does not extend the authority to impose such widespread duties on imports.
READ MORE: Experts Call for United Action on Sustainable Water Management in OIC States
The states contend that only Congress holds the constitutional power to regulate foreign trade, and that the president’s actions have created instability in both domestic markets and international relations.
Arizona’s Attorney General criticised the tariffs as both “economically irresponsible” and “legally unfounded,” stating that the added costs will inevitably be transferred to local consumers.
The lawsuit claims the tariffs, implemented without congressional approval, disrupted the balance of powers and inflicted economic uncertainty nationwide.
Since returning to office, Trump has reignited trade tensions by placing steep import taxes on Chinese goods some reaching up to 145 percent.
China, in turn, imposed retaliatory duties of 125 percent on American products. The administration has also slapped 10 percent tariffs on other allies, warning of additional trade barriers if negotiations do not progress.
The White House, meanwhile, has defended the policy as a tool to protect American manufacturing and restore industrial competitiveness.
READ MORE: US Deporting International Students Over Pro-Palestine Support
Trump has argued that the tariffs are a necessary response to unfair trade practices abroad and are part of a broader plan to secure better deals for the United States.
However, the legal challenge from these 12 US States Sue serves as a direct rebuttal to that narrative, highlighting a growing divide between federal trade policy and state-level economic concerns.
With public approval ratings showing signs of decline and legal hurdles mounting, the effectiveness and legality of Trump’s trade strategy is now under heightened scrutiny.
