Trump Accused of Overstepping Tariff Authority — 12 U.S. States File Lawsuit to Halt Measures | WPN World People News

Media reports state that U.S. President Donald Trump announced new tariff measures in early April, sparking international turmoil. On the 21st, twelve U.S. states filed a lawsuit with the United States Court of International Trade, accusing Trump of exceeding presidential authority and calling for a suspension of the tariff measures.

According to the report, Democratic attorneys general from New York, Illinois, Oregon, and nine other states argued that Trump severely misinterpreted the **International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)** as a legal basis for implementing his tariff policy. They emphasized that the IEEPA is intended for addressing extraordinary threats to the United States, and that a trade deficit does not constitute a national emergency. Moreover, the law does not grant the president the authority to impose tariffs — the power to levy taxes, including tariffs, belongs to Congress as outlined in the U.S. Constitution.

The report also notes that the case will be heard by a panel of three judges from the U.S. Court of International Trade, with a decision expected in the coming weeks. Brett Shumate, an attorney for the Department of Justice, defended the administration by arguing that the IEEPA grants the president authority to engage in trade negotiations and advance foreign policy objectives. He stated that the tariffs were intended to exert pressure and provide the president with necessary leverage.