California files legal challenge against Trump's alleged unlawful tariffs
Unleashing the Battle: California Slams the Brakes on Trump's Tariff Crusade
California, the Golden State and the world's fifth-largest economy, is standing firm against President Donald Trump's tariff controls. Governor Gavin Newsom, spearheading this resistance, announced a federal lawsuit on Wednesday to thwart Trump's tariff plans, arguing that they cause a disproportional impact on the state's economy.
Governor Newsom joined forces with state Attorney General Rob Bonta, as they filed the lawsuit claiming that Trump usurped his authority by imposing tariffs without Congressional approval. They seek a court declaration to invalidate Trump's tariffs and halt their implementation.
At a press conference, Newsom articulated the uncertainty surrounding these tariffs, particularly their detrimental impact on California's economy. He explained, "California faces a disproportionate impact from President Trump's tariffs, affect[ing] not just the coast and technology, but every corner of our state."
Newsom emphasized the need for California to stand up and be heard, stating, "No state will lose more than California if these tariffs go into effect."
California's economic might isn't lost on Attorney General Bonta. He highlighted the potential consequences of these tariffs on Californians across the state, likening Trump's tariffs to "a terrible storm that sweeps across the lands."
Meanwhile, White House spokesman Kush Desai responses to the lawsuit were less than sympathetic. he criticized Governor Newsom for focusing on "California's rampant crime, homelessness, and unaffordability," instead of fighting the tariffs. Desai maintains that the Trump administration remains committed to addressing the nation’s persistent trade deficits, employing various tactics such as tariffs and negotiations in the process.
The Trump administration has relied on the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA) to justify these tariffs. However, Newsom and California argue that the IEEPA does not authorize the President to impose tariffs. In their argument, they point out that tariffs are not listed among IEEPA's enumerated powers, and this would mark the first time a president used this law for such purpose.
This legal showdown could set a significant precedent, testing whether courts will uphold textualist interpretations of IEEPA against executive actions with far-reaching economic effects. With economic experts projecting annual economic damage from these tariffs to reach $100 billion, the consequences are immense, both for California and the nation at large.
- Governor Gavin Newsom announced a federal lawsuit against President Donald Trump, arguing that his tariff plans disproportionately impact California's economy and are the result of a policy-and-legislation act usurpation.
- In the lawsuit, Newsom and California's Attorney General Rob Bonta seek a court declaration to invalidate Trump's tariffs and halt their implementation, citing the detrimental effects on the state's economy and the former's lack of Congressional approval.
- At a press conference, Newsom explained that Californians across the state would be affected by these tariffs, likening the potential consequences to a terrible storm that sweeps across the lands.
- White House spokesman Kush Desai responded critically to the lawsuit, accusing Governor Newsom of focusing on internal issues such as crime, homelessness, and affordability rather than fighting the tariffs.
- The legal battle between California and the Trump administration could set a significant precedent, with economic experts projecting that annual economic damage from these tariffs could reach $100 billion, bringing far-reaching implications for California and the nation as a whole.
