U.S. states unite to block Trump's contested trade tariffs
Twelve U.S. states, including New York, Arizona, and Connecticut, have filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump and his administration. The aim is to block tariffs imposed by the White House on imports, which they argue are harming the economy.
The lawsuit, which seeks to block tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump that have disrupted global trade, highlights the negative impact on both the American and global economies.
Filed in the United States Court of International Trade, the plaintiffs include New York, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oregon, and Vermont, according to CNBC.
The governor and attorney general of New York argue in the lawsuit that the president lacked the authority to impose the tariffs. They emphasized that Congress must approve such tariffs.
Controversies surrounding presidential powers
The lawsuit challenges Trump's use of a 1970s law known as the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to implement the tariffs. This law allows the president to act in case of an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to national security, foreign policy, or the U.S. economy if a state of emergency has been declared.
The White House accused New York Attorney General Letitia James of "prioritizing a witch hunt against President Trump." White House Deputy Press Secretary Kush Desai emphasized that the administration remains committed to using its full legal powers to address current threats.
Trump imposed tariffs on trade partners to correct the U.S. trade deficit. In early April, he announced "reciprocal tariffs" on countries worldwide, which caused global economic turmoil. Although he later announced a 90-day pause and reduced rates to 10 percent for most countries, China was subjected to a 145 percent tariff.
The People's Republic of China took up the challenge. Beijing is building a resistance bloc against the U.S. among Washington's previous allies. China is offering Canada the creation of a partnership against the aggressive actions of the United States.
That's not all. In early April, China also imposed restrictions on the export of rare earth metals, requiring exporters to obtain licenses as part of retaliatory actions against President Trump's "reciprocal tariffs."
