12 States Take Trump to Court Over ’Chaos Tariffs’—Here’s Why It Matters

Twelve states just launched a legal grenade at the Trump administration, claiming its tariff policies are ’illegal’ and economically destructive. The lawsuit could redefine trade war boundaries—or become another footnote in DC’s circus.

Behind the drama: States argue the tariffs bypass Congressional authority, slapping unpredictable costs on businesses and consumers. Meanwhile, Wall Street shrugs—because volatility is just another profit center.

Bottom line: This isn’t just about steel and soybeans. It’s a power struggle over who controls America’s economic levers. And like most DC fights, taxpayers will foot the bill either way.

Why States Are Suing Trump Over Tariffs And What It Means For You

Legal Challenge Unfolds

States sue Trump through a coalition of attorneys general from Oregon, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, and Vermont. The tariff lawsuit argues that Trump’s trade war essentially violates constitutional principles by taking over powers that are actually reserved for Congress.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes stated:

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong said:

Constitutional Arguments

The states sue Trump with claims that only Congress has the authority to impose tariffs. The illegal tariffs implemented through emergency powers have created U.S. trade policy chaos, according to court documents filed just yesterday. market volatility has also resulted from these contested policies, and many businesses are feeling the impact right now.

The lawsuit filed Wednesday asserts:

Economic Impact

The tariff lawsuit highlights the economic consequences of tariffs affecting businesses and consumers nationwide. Supply chain disruptions and increased costs are being reported across multiple sectors due to the trump trade war. States sue Trump as these illegal tariffs function basically as taxes that are ultimately passed to American consumers.

Expanding Legal Action

California’s separate lawsuit represents another front where states sue Trump over tariff policies. Governor Gavin Newsom filed in US District Court last week, citing billions in potential lost revenue as the largest importing state in the country.

White House spokesperson Kush Desai responded: