12 States Take Trump To Court Over Tariffs

A coalition of 12 U.S. states filed a lawsuit on Wednesday, April 23, challenging the Trump administration’s recent tariffs, arguing that the president does not have the authority to impose such levies without Congressional approval.

“President Trump’s reckless tariff scheme is not only economically damaging — it’s illegal,” said Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes in a statement. Arizona joined forces with Democratic-led states including Minnesota, New York, and Oregon in the legal action. California, meanwhile, filed a separate but similar lawsuit last week.

Since beginning his second term, President Donald Trump has roiled global markets, departing sharply from decades of U.S. free trade policy. Under the banner of “Liberation Day,” he has announced sweeping tariffs on a number of countries.

Among the most significant moves: a 145% import duty on Chinese goods, which prompted China to retaliate with 125% tariffs on U.S. products. Despite the mounting tensions, Trump told reporters Wednesday he is working toward a “fair deal with China.”

He has also levied 10% tariffs on other U.S. trade partners and warned of additional, more severe penalties to come.

The lawsuit argues that the president’s actions overstep the authority granted under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act, contending that only Congress has the constitutional power to regulate tariffs.

“The President is claiming unchecked authority to impose sweeping, fluctuating tariffs on virtually any imported goods by declaring whatever emergency he deems convenient,” the complaint states. “This disrupts the constitutional balance and injects uncertainty into the U.S. economy.”

President Trump has defended the tariffs, asserting that they will revive domestic manufacturing and bring jobs back to the U.S.

But critics aren’t convinced. “Regardless of what the White House says, tariffs are just taxes that Arizona families will end up paying,” said Mayes.

Meanwhile, The New York Times reported on Wednesday that Trump’s approval rating has continued to decline, falling to 44% — a new low in the first three months of his second term.