New York Attorney General Leticia James (d) initiated Wednesday’s legal action, asserting that tariffs imposed on international trading partners by the Trump administration breach the law, along with 11 other states.
“The president lacks the authority to arbitrarily increase taxes, which is precisely what President Trump has done with these tariffs,” James stated in a release.
“Donald Trump asserted that he would reduce costs and help with living expenses, but these unlawful tariffs will adversely affect American families. If not curtailed, his tariffs will lead to higher inflation, increased unemployment, and economic harm.”
Trump contended that the White House can enforce tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Force Act, which empowers administrative bodies to assess, block, restrict, or manage imports and exports in response to “an unusual or extraordinary threat.”
The White House pointed to the fentanyl opioid epidemic as a justified “national emergency.”
Nonetheless, in the lawsuit filed on Wednesday, the president argues that an increase in taxes on imports and exports necessitates Congressional authorization, referencing claims initially raised by the Wall Street Journal editorial board.
Connecticut, Arizona, Oregon, Vermont, Colorado, Maine, Illinois, Delaware, Minnesota, Nevada, and New Mexico have all joined lawsuits asserting that the tariff hikes were illegal.
In their court filing, James and the other states claimed that the tariffs would trigger a recession; citing data that new trade regulations could result in the loss of over 35,000 jobs in the city, while state agencies may face more than $100 million in extra costs due to rising prices.
“President Trump’s irresponsible tariffs have caused consumer prices to soar and brought economic chaos nationwide. New York is taking a stand against what is the most significant federal tax increase in U.S. history.”
“Attorney General James and I are collaborating on this lawsuit to protect New York consumers, as President Trump cannot steer our nation into a recession.”
The White House did not provide an immediate response to The Hill’s inquiry regarding the tariffs, although Trump and James have exchanged public criticisms previously.
“Letitia James, an utterly corrupt politician, should resign from her role as New York State Attorney General. Everyone is striving to restore New York to its former glory. True Social Post earlier this month.
In the aftermath of Trump’s social media commentary, the federal housing finance agency made a criminal referral regarding James to the Department of Justice, alleging that her Virginia residence was falsely claimed as her primary home to obtain better loan conditions.
This action follows months after the New York Attorney General commenced a series of lawsuits against the Trump administration aimed at halting executive orders that affect birthright citizenship and other legal regulations.
