California Sues Trump Administration Over Tariffs

California Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta have filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging the president’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs on imports from China, Mexico, and Canada without congressional approval. The lawsuit claims that these tariffs, enacted unilaterally, have caused significant economic harm to California by increasing prices, threatening jobs, and disrupting business stability. This legal action is part of over a dozen lawsuits contesting Trump-era economic policies, though it is the only one led solely by California. Newsom and Bonta argue that only Congress has authority to impose tariffs of this scale, while Trump administration officials maintain the tariffs are vital for national economic security. The case seeks an immediate halt to the tariffs and could set a precedent regarding presidential powers in trade policy. The outcome holds broad implications for the balance of executive and legislative authority in U.S. trade matters.