Following California's Accusation of Trump’s Tariff Policy Abuse, 12 U.S. States Join in Lawsuit Against Trump | WPN World People News

U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive and haphazard tariff policies have caused turbulence in the global economy. Now, attorneys general from 12 U.S. states have jointly filed a lawsuit against him, accusing Trump of abusing the *International Emergency Economic Powers Act* (IEEPA). They argue that his unilateral imposition of tariffs is unlawful and are asking the court to block federal agencies from enforcing the tariff policy. According to the U.S. Constitution, only Congress has the authority to set tariff policies.

The lawsuit is being led by the state of Oregon, whose international trade and sportswear industries have been significantly impacted by the tariffs. Other participating states include Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, and Vermont.

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield stated, “When a president pushes illegal policies that drive up the cost of living — including utilities and groceries — we cannot stand by. These tariffs affect our daily lives, from the grocery store to the hospital. We must fight back.”

New York Attorney General Letitia James said Trump had promised to lower prices and reduce the cost of living, but these unlawful tariffs would instead lead to more inflation, job losses, and economic damage.

White House spokesperson Kush Desai dismissed the lawsuit as a "political witch hunt," asserting that the administration would continue using its legal powers to address national emergencies such as illegal immigration, fentanyl trafficking, and the trade deficit.

California had already filed a similar lawsuit last week, claiming that Trump’s tariff policies and trade war have harmed the state’s economy. Advocacy groups such as the Center for Free Justice and the New Civil Liberties Alliance have also joined the legal action.