Daijiworld Media Network - Sacramento
Sacramento, Apr 16: California Gov Gavin Newsom and State Attorney General Rob Bonta announced on Wednesday that they are suing the Trump administration over the president's tariffs on US trading partners. The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of California, argues that President Donald Trump lacks the authority to impose such tariffs unilaterally under the International Economic Emergency Powers Act.
California is requesting the court to declare the tariffs void and block their implementation, claiming that Trump does not have the power to enact one of the largest tax increases in US history, which could lead to higher prices for goods and services.
In announcing the lawsuit on his podcast, Newsom emphasized that the tariffs are hitting California, the nation's top manufacturing state, particularly hard. "These impacts are disproportionately being felt here in California, which will be significantly affected by this unilateral decision," Newsom said.
Newsom, who is considered a potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidate, has been a frequent critic of Trump. In the podcast, he also engaged with some conservative figures like Charlie Kirk and Steve Bannon, sparking controversy within his own party.
Attorney General Bonta expressed his concerns, calling the tariffs not only ‘deeply troubling’ but also illegal. He highlighted the negative effects on various sectors, from farmers in California's Central Valley to small businesses and families across the state. "This game the President is playing has very real consequences for Californians," Bonta said.
The lawsuit challenges Trump's decision to impose tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, including a 10% tariff on other countries, arguing it violates legal limits on the president's powers.
Trump, who has defended the tariffs as a way to recoup billions in lost revenue from unfair trade practices, said, "We're making tremendous amounts of money, taking in billions... from countries that for many, many decades ripped off the United States."