California Governor Gavin Newsom has alleged that President Donald Trump has pleaded for the use of an emergency, unilaterally enacting global tariffs across the board, and hurting California families and businesses.
A news release from the California government claims that the lawsuit, which is scheduled to be filed in federal court today, is scheduled to be filed in federal court today.
“President Trump’s illegal tariffs are causing disruption to California families, businesses and our economy. They are raising prices and threatening jobs. We are standing up for American families who can’t afford to continue the disruption.”
Newsom claims these tariffs “produce immediate and irreparable harm to California, the country’s largest economy, manufacturing and agricultural nation.”
The lawsuit argues that Trump’s call to power an international economic emergency to enact tariffs is “illegal and unprecedented” and that such vast actions require approval from Congress.
To some degree: Through the IEEPA, Congress granted the President a wide range of authorities to impose sanctions on the country, regulate exports, financial transactions, and freeze foreign assets under the national emergency declaration, but it is necessary to consult and report to Congress when exercisering these powers.
California has nearly $675 million in two-way trade in 2024, counting Mexico, Canada and China as the top three trading partners. More than 40% of California’s imports come from these countries, totaling $200 billion of the more than $491 billion goods imported by California in 2024.