States Challenge Trump’s Tariffs in Court
A group of 12 states recently challenged President Donald Trump’s tariffs on imports in federal court, arguing that he overstepped his authority by declaring a national emergency to impose levies on the majority of U.S. trading partners. The lawsuit, filed by the Democratic attorneys general of New York, Illinois, Oregon, and nine other states, contends that Trump’s tariff policies reflect a national trade policy based on the President’s whims rather than a sound exercise of lawful authority.
The states argued in court that Trump misinterpreted the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to justify the tariffs. They emphasized that the law is intended to address “unusual and extraordinary” threats to the United States and requires presidential actions to be closely tied to specific situations that the executive branch seeks to resolve.
During the hearing, the states challenged Trump’s assertion that the IEEPA allows him to set tariffs without any limitations. They emphasized that tariffs or other actions cannot be used solely for leverage under the IEEPA. The Department of Justice, representing the President, argued that leverage is a valid reason to impose tariffs under the IEEPA and that only Congress has the authority to review a President’s actions taken in response to an IEEPA emergency.
The court did not immediately rule on the legality of Trump’s tariffs, with a decision expected in the coming weeks.
Trump’s Tariffs on China and Canada
In February, President Trump imposed tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada to combat the flow of illegal fentanyl into the United States. Subsequently, his administration imposed a 10 percent baseline tariff on most countries and higher rates on countries with which the U.S. has significant trade deficits, particularly China.
Following a 90-day pause on higher tariffs, Trump raised levies on China to 145 percent, prompting retaliatory measures from Beijing. The two countries have since engaged in negotiations to resolve trade disputes.
The Trump administration has cited the IEEPA as the legal basis for these tariffs, citing national security concerns and the need to protect the country’s economic interests.
Challenges to Trump’s Tariff Policies
The lawsuit filed by the states is one of several legal challenges against the Trump administration’s tariff policies. Critics argue that tariffs are not an appropriate response to national security threats or economic issues and that only Congress has the authority to impose duties on imports.
California also filed a separate challenge against the tariffs in federal court earlier this month, adding to the legal scrutiny facing the Trump administration’s trade policies.
As the court deliberates on the legality of Trump’s tariffs, the outcome of these legal battles will have significant implications for U.S. trade policy and the President’s authority to impose tariffs in the future.
References: The Epoch Times
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