California Governor Gavin Newsom has filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging that President Donald Trump unlawfully used emergency powers to impose tariffs without congressional approval. The legal challenge, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, argues that Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to implement broad tariffs on countries like China, Mexico, and Canada exceeds his constitutional authority.
According to the lawsuit, these tariffs have severely impacted California’s economy by increasing the cost of imported goods and harming key industries, particularly agriculture. Governor Newsom’s administration says the tariffs have disrupted global trade relationships, put farmers at risk, and could reduce state tax revenues due to lower capital gains and overall economic activity.
“This is not just about trade—it’s about the rule of law,” Newsom said in a statement. “The president cannot bypass Congress to reshape international trade on a whim. These actions are reckless and unconstitutional.”
California is seeking an immediate injunction to halt the tariffs, warning that the economic fallout could cost the state billions in revenue and hurt working families. Central Valley farmers, including almond grower Christine Gemperle, have voiced strong support for the lawsuit, citing declining exports and long-term damage to their markets abroad.
The White House, however, defends the tariffs, calling them a necessary step to correct long-standing trade imbalances and protect American jobs. Administration officials argue that the president has clear authority to act in the nation’s economic interest.
This legal move marks Newsom’s first major court challenge against the Trump administration this year and adds to a growing number of lawsuits contesting the executive branch’s trade policies. The case could have major implications for how tariff authority is interpreted moving forward.
