New York Attorney General Letitia James, joined by top prosecutors from 23 states, has renewed legal action against President Donald Trump's global tariff policy. This legal initiative comes shortly after the Supreme Court invalidated an earlier tariff measure introduced by Trump, citing improper use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
The recent lawsuit, filed in the Court of International Trade on Thursday, aims to declare Trump's latest tariffs unlawful and secure refunds for the states involved.
Last month, the Supreme Court invalidated most of the sweeping tariffs dubbed "Liberation Day" duties, which were implemented by Trump last year. The court ruled that using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose such tariffs was inappropriate.
In response to this, President Trump announced a new set of tariffs under a different law, Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. This law currently sets a global tariff rate at 10%, but the Trump administration plans to increase it to 15%.
Attorney General James expressed her opposition, stating, "After the Supreme Court rejected his first attempt to impose sweeping tariffs, the president is causing more economic chaos and expecting Americans to foot the bill." James further remarked, "President Trump is ignoring the law and the Constitution to effectively raise taxes on consumers and small businesses," in a statement provided to CNBC.
The coalition of state attorneys general, many of whom were instrumental in blocking Trump's original tariffs, adds to the ongoing international unease prompted by the president's tariff strategies. This development follows a federal court's decision on Wednesday, affirming that companies which paid the tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court are owed billions in refunds.
The White House defended the president's actions. "The President is using his authority granted by Congress to address fundamental international payments problems and to deal with our country's large and serious balance-of-payments deficits," stated White House spokesman Kush Desai. "The Administration will vigorously defend the President's action in court."