Daijiworld Media Network- New York
New York, Apr 24: A coalition of 12 US states has filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump’s administration, challenging the legality of the tariffs imposed under his authority. The lawsuit, filed in the US Court of International Trade in New York, aims to block the Trump administration from enforcing the tariffs, which the plaintiffs argue are "illegal" and violate constitutional principles.
The attorneys general from Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, and Vermont filed the lawsuit on Wednesday, arguing that the tariffs imposed by President Trump have been driven by personal whims rather than lawful executive power. The states contend that Trump’s use of tariffs under the claim of a national emergency is an overreach of presidential authority, as the US President is only permitted to invoke emergency powers when there is a "threat" from abroad.
The legal action emphasizes that Congress has not granted the President the power to impose tariffs without clear and specific legislative authorization. It accuses the administration of bypassing the law by implementing tariffs through executive orders, social media statements, and agency directives. The states argue that this action has created "chaos" in the US economy and led to increased inflation and unemployment.
New York Attorney General Letitia James highlighted the economic impact of the tariffs, stating that they have caused significant harm to consumers and businesses across the country. "President Trump's reckless tariffs have skyrocketed costs for consumers and unleashed economic chaos across the country," she said.
In response, the White House defended the decision, with spokesperson Kush Desai reiterating the administration’s stance that the tariffs were necessary to address a "national emergency" and protect American industries. Desai also emphasized that the government would continue to use all available tools, including tariffs and negotiations, to safeguard American workers and industries.
The dispute stems from an executive order signed by Trump on April 2, which invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to declare a national emergency and impose "reciprocal tariffs" on all US trading partners. This move has drawn significant opposition both domestically and internationally, contributing to heightened financial market instability.
The lawsuit marks another chapter in the ongoing debate over trade policy and executive power, with significant implications for both US economic relations and international trade dynamics.