A coalition of 25 states has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging a new round of tariffs imposed on 60 trading partners. The legal action, brought to the U.S. Court of International Trade, argues that the president has exceeded his legal authority by using allegations of forced labor as a pretext to implement trade barriers. These states, led by Democratic attorneys general and governors, are seeking a court order to halt the tariffs, declare them unlawful, and secure refunds for duties already paid.
The new tariffs, which range from 10% to 12.5%, took effect last month following the expiration of previous temporary levies. The administration had previously relied on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs, but the Supreme Court struck down that approach in February, ruling it did not authorize such taxes. In response, the White House shifted to Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, a provision that allows the president to impose sanctions against countries found to engage in unfair trade practices.
State officials contend that this latest move is an attempt to bypass the Supreme Court's earlier decision. They argue that the investigation into forced labor was rushed and served as a legal cover to maintain a protectionist trade agenda. According to the plaintiffs, these tariffs function as a tax on American families and businesses, increasing the costs of essential goods and creating economic instability.
The White House has defended the policy, stating that the tariffs are a legitimate and durable tool to address unfair trade practices. A spokesperson for the administration maintained that the failure of foreign nations to effectively prohibit the importation of goods produced with forced labor burdens U.S. commerce and must be addressed. The legal battle now moves to the courts, where judges will determine whether the administration's use of Section 301 is a valid exercise of executive power or an unconstitutional overreach.