California Takes Legal Action Against Trump Administration Over 'Illegal Tariffs'

Synopsis

California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the imposition of illegal tariffs. This legal action aims to protect California families and businesses from the economic chaos caused by these tariffs, which threaten jobs and inflate prices.

Key Takeaways

California sues Trump over tariffs.
Governor Newsom criticizes tariff impacts.
Legal action aims to protect families.
California is a major manufacturing state.
Tariffs affect significant trade with China.

Los Angeles, April 17 (NationPress) California Governor Gavin Newsom has revealed that the state, which boasts the largest economy in the United States, is initiating a lawsuit against the Trump administration regarding the President's extensive 'illegal tariffs' imposed on international trade partners.

"President Trump's illegal tariffs are causing turmoil for California families, businesses, and our economy -- inflating prices and jeopardizing jobs," Newsom stated on Wednesday. He emphasized, "We are advocating for American families who cannot bear the consequences of this turmoil any longer."

"Donald Trump lacks the authority to enforce these harmful and disorderly tariffs. The risks for America are too significant," the Governor expressed in a message on the social media platform X.

"We are taking legal action against him," the Governor affirmed.

"California is the leading manufacturing state in our nation, as well as one of the largest trading partners globally. No other state will feel the impact of the unilateral authority claimed by the Trump administration to impose the largest tax escalations in modern American history as much as California," he pointed out.

Newsom noted that "In the United States, forty percent of goods movement occurs through two ports of entry in California. Approximately fifty percent of that originates from China itself."

In the forthcoming lawsuit, anticipated to be filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, California officials will contend that the law known as the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which Trump referenced to impose the tariffs, does not authorize him to unilaterally enact such tariffs.

California, being the most populous state in the U.S., is the first state in the country to take legal action against the Trump administration concerning tariffs, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

The Golden State is the top importer among all U.S. states, engaging in over $675 billion in two-way trade that supports millions of jobs throughout the region.

Mexico, Canada, and China rank as California's three primary export destinations, purchasing nearly $67 billion in California's exports, which accounted for more than one-third of the state's $183 billion in exported goods in 2024, based on data released by the Governor's office.