Oregon leads 12-state lawsuit against Trump tariffs

A coalition of twelve states, led by Oregon, has filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump and his administration, challenging the legality of newly imposed tariffs. The states argue that the Constitution grants Congress—not the president—the authority to set tariffs, and claim Trump's approach, enacted through executive orders and emergency declarations, disrupts constitutional checks and balances. The tariffs, some as high as 145% on imports from China and 46% on goods from Vietnam, are expected to severely impact trade-dependent states like Oregon, particularly affecting industries such as footwear, apparel, and semiconductors. Economists and business leaders in Oregon warn that these tariffs could lead to higher prices, staff reductions, and economic uncertainty. Some tariffs have been temporarily paused, but a global 10% tariff and others remain in effect, prompting legislative responses in Congress to counter the administration's actions. The lawsuit seeks a court order declaring the tariffs illegal and restoring congressional oversight over trade policy.