California has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over President Donald Trump’s use of tariffs.
Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the lawsuit at a press conference in Stanislaus County on Wednesday.
The big picture: Newsom and Bonta argue in the lawsuit that Trump does not have the authority to impose tariffs through the International Economic Emergency Powers Act.
- The tariffs, they argue, have inflicted billions of dollars in damages on California’s economy.
- The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
- They are requesting that the court declare the tariffs void and to enjoin the implementation of them.
What they’re saying: “President Trump’s unlawful tariffs are wreaking chaos on California families, businesses, and our economy – driving up prices and threatening jobs. We’re standing up for American families who can’t afford to let the chaos continue,” Newsom said.
- Bonta called Trump’s implementation of the tariffs deeply troubling and illegal.
- “As the fifth largest economy in the world, California understands global trade policy is not just a game,” Bonta said. “Californians are bracing for fallout from the impact of the President’s choices – from farmers in the Central Valley, to small businesses in Sacramento, and worried families at the kitchen table – this game the President is playing has very real consequences for Californians across our state. I am proud to go to bat alongside Governor Newsom to fight for California’s vibrant economy, businesses, and residents.”
