Twelve states are suing the Trump administration over tariffs. (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
"President Trump’s reckless tariffs have skyrocketed costs for consumers and unleashed economic chaos across the country," said Gov. Kathy Hochul. "New York is standing up to fight back against the largest federal tax hike in American history. Attorney General James and I are partnering on this litigation on behalf of New York consumers, because we can't let President Trump push our country into a recession."
"The president does not have the power to raise taxes on a whim," said New York Attorney General Letitia James. "His tariffs are unlawful and, if not stopped, they will lead to more inflation, unemployment, and economic damage."
Since February 2025, Trump has signed multiple executive orders imposing new tariffs on Canada, Mexico, China, and nearly all other U.S. trading partners.
The administration cited national emergencies as the basis for the tariffs, including drug trafficking, illegal immigration, and unfair trade practices. The states in the lawsuit claim the president's justifications are vague and legally insufficient.
The IEEPA, enacted in 1977, allows presidents to respond to specific international threats, such as terrorism or hostile foreign actors. But according to the lawsuit, no president in the 48 years since its passage has used it to impose tariffs.
The complaint argues that the new tariffs were imposed without congressional approval or the necessary legal findings to justify sweeping trade actions.
The lawsuit also claims that tariffs are not connected to any specific "unusual and extraordinary" threat, as required under IEEPA, which the Trump administration cited as its authority. The states claim the tariffs will significantly raise consumer prices, drive inflation, lead to job losses, and create widespread economic instability.
President Donald Trump speaks during a "Make America Wealthy Again" trade announcement event in the Rose Garden at the White House on April 2, 2025, in Washington, DC. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Gov. Hochul and Attorney General James, both vocal critics of the Trump administration, have frequently clashed with the president over a range of issues, from immigration to environmental policy. This latest lawsuit marks another high-profile confrontation.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Alongside New York, the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Vermont have joined the case.
The coalition is asking the court to block further enforcement of the tariffs and declare the orders invalid under both the Constitution and federal law.
Jasmine is a writer at Fox News Digital and a military spouse based in New Orleans. Stories can be sent to jasmine.baehr@fox.com
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/twelve-states-sue-trump-over-tariffs-claiming-theyre-illegal-harmful-us-economy