California takes stand: Lawsuit challenges Trump's tariffs
California is the first state in the US to sue President Donald Trump's administration over imposed tariffs. - No state is poised to lose more than the state of California - emphasised Governor Gavin Newsom.
California is the first state in the US that has decided to file a lawsuit against President Donald Trump's administration regarding tariffs imposed on most of the United States' trading partners.
Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta announced this decision during a joint appearance.
California leads the fight against tariffs
During an appearance at an almond farm in Central Valley, Governor Newsom outlined California's role in the global economy and the impact that tariffs have and will have on the state. - No state is poised to lose more than the state of California - he emphasised.
The governor noted that 43 per cent of almonds, pistachios, and dairy products from California are exported, and the uncertainty associated with potential losses from tariffs is "pronounced and profound".
The lawsuit from the state of California challenges Trump's use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act as justification for the tariffs.
Newsom and Bonta argue that responsibility for tariffs lies with Congress, not the president, and accuse Trump of concocting "fake" emergencies.
White House reaction
White House spokesperson Kush Desai criticised Newsom for attempting to block Trump's tariffs. - Instead of focusing on California's rampant crime, homelessness and unaffordability, Gavin Newsom is spending his time trying to block President Trump's historic efforts to finally address the national emergency of our country's persistent goods trade deficits - said Desai in a statement to ABC News.
Newsom emphasised that he is working on his own trade agreements with other countries, aiming for products made in California to be exempt from retaliatory tariffs.
