Twelve states sue Trump administration over controversial tariff powers
A coalition of twelve states is taking legal action against the Trump administration, challenging President Donald Trump’s claim that he can impose tariffs unilaterally under IEEPA.
(CNN)- A coalition of twelve states is taking legal action against the Trump administration, challenging President Donald Trump’s claim that he can impose tariffs unilaterally under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade, argues that the president’s actions are an overreach of executive authority and violate the Constitution, which grants Congress the power to impose taxes and duties.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is among those leading the charge. “The president has absolutely no legal authority to issue these tariffs,” she said. “Arizona cannot afford this Trump tax increase, and make no mistake, no matter what Orwellian doublespeak the White House uses—tariffs are taxes.”
The legal challenge comes as Trump cites the IEEPA to justify new tariffs related to fentanyl trafficking and national security concerns at the border. White House Trade Adviser Peter Navarro supported the administration’s position, stating, “We started with the fentanyl border tariffs. The IEEPA is also used for the trade deficit.”
Critics argue the law was never intended to give the president broad trade authority, especially in peacetime or economic disputes. They say U.S. businesses are ultimately the ones footing the bill—often passing those costs on to consumers through higher prices.
The lawsuit also lands during a temporary pause in Trump’s newly proposed “reciprocal tariffs,” a 90-day window meant to allow for negotiations with other countries. However, Trump has suggested that some tariffs could be finalized within two or three weeks—well before the pause ends.
“We’re going to have great deals,” Trump said. “And by the way, if we don’t have a deal with a company or a country, we’re going to set the tariff.”
