States Sue Trump Over Tariff Policies

A coalition of 12 Democratic state Attorneys General filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump and other administration officials, alleging that his tariff policies are unconstitutional.

The suit names as defendants President Trump, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, acting Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Peter Flores, and the United States government. The plaintiffs charge that President Trump's tariff orders violate the separation of powers laid out in the Constitution.

The suit alleges that the president doesn't have the justification of an “unusual and extraordinary threat" to bring tariffs himself.

"Because the President lacks statutory authority to impose the tariffs in the IEEPA Tariff Orders, the IEEPA Tariff Orders are an exercise of Congressional authority in violation of separation of powers," plaintiffs write.

New York Attorney General Letitia James said, "The president does not have the power to raise taxes on a whim, but that’s exactly what President Trump has been doing with these tariffs. Donald Trump promised that he would lower prices and ease the cost of living, but these illegal tariffs will have the exact opposite effect on American families. His tariffs are unlawful and if not stopped, they will lead to more inflation, unemployment, and economic damage."

The suit marks an escalation in reaction to Trump's tariff policies. California had previously sued the Trump administration over the same tariff justification.

The tariffs have caused financial markets to plummet, with the Dow on track for its worst performance in April since 1932. Consumer sentiment has also been negatively affected, with a Gallup poll revealing that 53% of Americans believe their personal financial situations are worsening, marking a record high and the first time since 2001 that a majority have expressed such concerns.