California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Mar. 13 that a coalition of 24 states has filed a motion seeking to halt President Trump’s latest attempt to impose tariffs on products purchased by American consumers and businesses. The motion, submitted to the U.S. Court of International Trade, requests either summary judgment or a preliminary injunction against the tariffs, which were enacted under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974.
The legal action is significant because it challenges what state officials describe as an unlawful use of trade law that could increase costs for consumers and small businesses during a period of economic uncertainty. Economic analysis presented in court indicates that state governments in the plaintiff states could face at least $748 million per year in additional expenses due to these tariffs.
Attorney General Rob Bonta said, “President Trump has inflicted illegal tariff after illegal tariff on the American people — taxes that are weighing heavily on consumers and small businesses nationwide. The President’s taxes are increasing prices amid a crisis of affordability and inflicting chaos on the American economy.” Bonta added, “My office has challenged the President’s illegal tariffs every time and every step of the way because this issue matters tremendously to Californians and families across the U.S. Today, we ask the Court of International Trade to put an end to Trump’s obnoxious second attempt to illegally tax Americans — consumers and businesses need relief now.”
Governor Gavin Newsom also criticized the policy, saying, “These tariffs are nothing more than a tax on working families — shifting the burden of Trump’s failed trade negotiations onto folks who are already struggling to make ends meet. Trump keeps throwing out illegal, reckless policies, hoping something sticks, while everyday Americans pay the price. Trump’s tariffs were overturned by the Supreme Court, so now he’s inflicting new tariffs on Californians and all Americans like a toddler throwing a temper tantrum. Chaos is not leadership. And we deserve better.”
Previously, California officials challenged similar tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which were struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court last month as illegal. The current round targets most products worldwide with a 10% tariff rate using Section 122—a provision that allows such measures only when there are fundamental international payments problems requiring special action for large balance-of-payments deficits. State officials argue no such deficit exists.
The case—State of Oregon et al., v. Trump et al.—is scheduled for oral argument before a three-judge panel at 10:00 a.m. EDT on April 10 in New York City.
Rob Bonta leads the California Attorney General’s office according to its official website. The office serves as California’s chief law enforcement authority with responsibilities including enforcing state laws, protecting public rights and safety, advancing civil rights initiatives, consumer protection efforts, and environmental justice policies according to its official website. It operates statewide as part of California’s executive branch as outlined in state documents and promotes transparency through tools like OpenJustice for publishing criminal justice data according to its official website.
