Article Summary –
Two dozen states, led by Democratic governors and attorneys general, have filed a lawsuit against President Trump’s imposition of global tariffs, contending that the tariffs are illegal under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 and have imposed significant financial burdens on American households, costing up to $1,745 per family annually. The states argue that these tariffs, which Trump enacted after the Supreme Court struck down his previous tariff attempts, are detrimental to state economies, affecting everything from consumer prices to employment rates. The White House defends the tariffs as a lawful measure to address balance-of-payments issues, despite widespread concerns from state leaders about their impacts on local economies.
On March 5, two dozen states filed a new lawsuit against President Trump’s global tariffs, alleging he is overstepping his authority with costly policies for Americans.
Democratic governors and attorneys general from 24 states petitioned the Court of International Trade in New York to declare that Trump cannot enforce broad 15% tariffs under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974.
Section 122 lets the president impose up to 15% tariffs for no more than 150 days to address “large and serious United States balance-of-payments deficits” or to prevent a dollar depreciation in foreign markets.
The lawsuit states this provision has never been used for imposing tariffs.
After the U.S. Supreme Court recently invalidated Trump’s tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, Trump expressed doubt about some justices’ loyalty and proposed a universal 15% tariff.
The lawsuit contends the President aims to exercise unchecked power on tariffs, citing the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, which claims 90% of tariff costs are borne by American consumers and businesses.
The Tax Foundation reported Trump’s tariffs could cost $1,000 per household by 2025, while a U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee report projected families spent about $1,745 from February 2025 to January 2026 on tariffs.
The lawsuit argues fluctuating trade policies disrupt markets and increase costs for states procuring goods and services.
White House spokesperson Kush Desai stated Trump is legally addressing international payment issues and trade deficits.
What state leaders are saying
States involved include Oregon, Arizona, California, New York, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers called Trump’s tariffs reckless and illegal, citing that Wisconsin importers paid $3.5 billion in tariffs from March to December 2025.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said tariffs affect grocery, gas, medicine, clothing, and school supply prices while harming manufacturing.
Nessel’s office reported Michigan, the fifth-largest importer, saw food prices rise by 3.6% last year, and construction material costs rose by 7%.
Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones argued Trump lacks the legal right to impose tariffs, projecting Virginia household costs could rise $400-$3,000 annually.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro supported the Supreme Court’s decision to nullify Trump’s tariffs, citing the chaos and rising costs for farmers and businesses.
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