Trump’s Tariffs Face New Legal Challenge from Democratic Officials
In a renewed legal battle, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes and a coalition of Democratic attorneys general and governors have filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump over his latest attempt to impose tariffs. This legal action, announced on Thursday, is in response to Trump’s second effort to implement tariffs following a Supreme Court ruling against his initial attempt.
Previously, a similar coalition had contested Trump’s first round of tariffs, which were ruled illegal by the U.S. Supreme Court. The court’s decision prompted Trump to issue a new executive order, aiming to impose tariffs under a different legal framework within hours of the ruling. For more details on the initial lawsuit, visit KJZZ.
Mayes criticized Trump’s actions, stating, “The Supreme Court of the United States told Donald Trump that his tariffs were illegal, that he had been taxing the American people without the legal authority to do so, that he had to stop. So what did he do? He threw a temper tantrum and he did it again.”
This new legal challenge has been filed in the United States Court of International Trade, as detailed in the complaint document. The coalition includes 22 Democratic attorneys general and the governors of Pennsylvania and Kentucky.
Trump’s first tariffs were enacted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977. In his latest move, he attempts to utilize the Trade Act of 1974, which permits the president to impose temporary import restrictions, but only for up to 150 days. These tariffs took effect on February 24.
The coalition is pushing for an immediate stay or preliminary injunction to halt the tariffs. Mayes commented on Trump’s strategy, saying, “He’s calling it a ‘fix.’ It’s not. It is the same illegal power grab under a different statute than he used the last time.” For more information on Trump’s tariff imposition, refer to the White House fact sheet.
The legal argument presented by the attorneys general is that the authority to impose tariffs lies with Congress. Despite some Republicans allegedly supporting the challenge, they have refrained from joining the legal fight. “I think they’re secretly rooting for us,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta, referring to the Republican attorneys general. “Because when we deliver a victory and get tariffs struck down, their residents benefit. Their businesses benefit. But, they seemingly won’t dare to stand up for the rule of law.”
Mayes emphasized bipartisan support, stating, “These lawsuits in our states are being widely supported by Republicans and Democrats and independents because all of them are being harmed and they all care about our economies.”
Democratic lawmakers estimate the tariffs have cost the average American family approximately $1,700, with Americans bearing most of the tariff costs last year. This lawsuit marks the 37th legal action taken by Mayes against the Trump administration, as documented on the Arizona Attorney General’s website.
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