California Governor Gavin Newsom has taken a bold step by announcing a lawsuit against President Trump. This legal action challenges Trump’s authority to impose international tariffs without congressional approval. Newsom criticized these tariffs, saying they damage America’s reputation globally and could have severe consequences for California’s economy.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, argues that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which Trump used to justify the tariffs, does not give him the power to unilaterally impose such taxes on imported goods. Newsom emphasized that California, with its population of 40 million, stands to lose more than any other state due to these tariffs.
This lawsuit marks a significant shift for Newsom. Previously, he had taken a more reserved stance regarding Trump’s actions. However, the impact of the tariffs on California’s economy prompted him to take a more active role in confronting the administration. He expressed concern that the tariffs could lead to job losses, higher inflation, and a decrease in state revenue, which would ultimately affect funding for essential services like education and healthcare.
California engaged in nearly $675 billion in trade last year, making it highly vulnerable to the effects of these tariffs. Newsom pointed out that Mexico, Canada, and China are the state’s largest trading partners, and any decline in international commerce could have dire financial implications.
Attorney General Rob Bonta, who is also involved in the lawsuit, stated that the president’s actions threaten the balance of power outlined in the U.S. Constitution. According to Bonta, Congress holds the authority to set taxes and tariffs, not the president. The lawsuit seeks to void Trump’s tariff orders, arguing that they have created "toxic uncertainty" in the economy.
Experts suggest that Trump’s reliance on the IEEPA to impose tariffs may be legally questionable. The law has never been used for this purpose, and it requires the president to declare a national emergency, which can be difficult to justify. Legal scholars argue that the Trade Act, which governs tariffs, imposes specific requirements that Trump has not followed.
Newsom’s lawsuit is part of a broader trend, as California has filed 15 lawsuits against the Trump administration. This latest action reflects his frustration with the economic instability caused by the tariffs. He urged Congress to step up and fulfill its responsibilities rather than allowing the president to make unilateral decisions that could harm the economy.
As the situation unfolds, the implications of this lawsuit will likely resonate beyond California, potentially affecting national discussions on trade policy and presidential authority.