A coalition of twelve U.S. states, led by New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James, has launched a legal battle against the Trump administration over tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade, the lawsuit challenges what the states call “unlawful and unprecedented tax hikes” on American consumers and businesses.
According to a statement from Governor Hochul’s press office, the coalition is seeking a court order to permanently block the enforcement and implementation of the IEEPA-based tariffs. Although some of these tariffs were paused on April 9, the lawsuit aims to ensure they are fully struck down and cannot be reintroduced.
“These tariffs have placed an unfair burden on hardworking Americans by increasing the cost of essential goods and disrupting supply chains,” said Attorney General James. “Our lawsuit aims to restore economic stability and protect the legal limits of executive authority.”
The lawsuit contends that the Trump administration overstepped its legal boundaries by using the IEEPA originally designed to address threats from foreign adversaries to justify broad trade measures. Critics argue that the act was never intended to be a tool for imposing sweeping tariffs on allies and global trading partners.
In addition to New York, the coalition includes Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Vermont. Together, the states represent a significant portion of the U.S. economy and claim their residents and businesses have borne the brunt of the tariffs’ financial impact.
This legal move marks another flashpoint in the ongoing debate over trade policy and executive power, especially as former President Donald Trump maintains a prominent role in national politics. The outcome of this case could have lasting implications for the future use of emergency economic powers by any U.S. administration.
