12 U.S. States Sue Trump Over Tariffs, Citing Economic Chaos

In a significant legal development, the chief prosecutors from 12 U.S. states, all Democrats, have filed a lawsuit against Donald Trump over his tariff policies. The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday, alleges that Trump's tariffs have "upended the constitutional order and brought chaos to the U.S. economy." The states involved include New York, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Vermont.

The prosecutors argue that Trump lacked the legal authority to impose these tariffs, which they claim are essentially taxes on American citizens that were not approved by Congress. New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who is also suing the Trump administration over attempts to cancel local transportation tolls, expressed support for the tariff lawsuit. She stated that Trump's tariff policies have caused consumer costs to skyrocket and created economic turmoil nationwide. Hochul and New York Attorney General Letitia James are representing New York consumers in the lawsuit, aiming to prevent what they describe as the largest federal tax increase in U.S. history.

In response, the White House spokesperson Kush Desai defended the tariff policies and criticized James, accusing her of prioritizing political attacks on Trump over protecting voters' safety and well-being. The lawsuit filed on Wednesday asserts that Trump's tariffs have increased costs for essential equipment and materials crucial to state economies and violated the separation of powers outlined in the U.S. Constitution.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, during a press conference on Wednesday, emphasized that the president has no legal authority to impose these tariffs. She warned that if allowed to stand, these tariffs would significantly increase prices for Arizona residents. Mayes highlighted the real-time impacts, including rising prices, market reactions, and concerns from global partners. She also noted the decline in cargo volume at the Port of Los Angeles and a downturn in the tourism industry as consequences of the tariffs.

Legal experts suggest that it is possible for a judge to rule that Trump's use of emergency powers to impose tariffs is illegal, potentially overturning his tariff efforts. However, any lawsuit could take months or even years to reach a conclusion, which may occur after the 90-day suspension period for Trump's retaliatory tariffs has ended. The lawsuit seeks to block the implementation of Trump's tariff policies and to have the court declare them illegal.