US states sue to stop Trump’s latest global tariffs

In March 2026, 24 US states, led by Democratic states like New York and California, sued the Trump administration over newly imposed 10% global tariffs. The lawsuit, filed in the US Court of International Trade, challenges the legality of the tariffs, arguing that President Trump is circumventing a recent Supreme Court ruling that invalidated his previous tariffs. Trump imposed the new tariffs under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, claiming they are necessary to reduce US trade deficits. The states contend that Section 122, which allows tariffs for short-term monetary emergencies, is being misapplied to address trade deficits, which occur when a nation imports more than it exports. They also argue that the law was intended to address archaic monetary risks, not routine trade imbalances.

Twenty-four US states, led by New York and California, are suing the Trump administration over newly imposed 10% global tariffs. The lawsuit, to be filed in the US Court of International Trade in New York, challenges the legality of the tariffs, arguing they circumvent a recent Supreme Court ruling that invalidated previous tariffs. The states contend that Trump is misusing the Trade Act of 1974, which is intended for short-term monetary emergencies, not ongoing trade deficits. They argue that the tariffs, imposed via executive order on February 20th, exceed presidential authority and should be repealed. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated the tariffs may increase to 15% later in the week.

More than 20 states are suing the Trump administration over newly imposed global tariffs. The lawsuit, led by attorneys general from Oregon, Arizona, California, and New York, challenges the legality of the tariffs, arguing that President Trump is exceeding his authority. The tariffs, set at 15%, were implemented under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 after the Supreme Court rejected previous tariffs imposed under emergency powers. Trump claims the tariffs are necessary to reduce America's trade deficits. Section 122 allows the president to impose tariffs for up to five months unless Congress extends them.