California sues Trump over enacting tariffs without congressional approval

Published April 16, 2025 10:54am ET



Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) announced Wednesday that California will file a lawsuit against the Trump administration to challenge President Donald Trump’s authority to issue tariffs without congressional approval.

The suit will argue that Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which grants the president increased powers during an economic emergency, to impose tariffs on Canada, China, and Mexico and “reciprocal tariffs” on all imports is unlawful. It will also argue that his sweeping tariffs require congressional approval. 

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