The Suit Claims Trump Used Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 After Earlier Tariffs Were Struck Down by the Supreme Court

Twenty-five US states, including New York, California, and Illinois, filed a lawsuit Monday in the US Court of International Trade in Manhattan against President Donald Trump's new tariffs, arguing the administration exceeded its authority. The suit claims Trump used Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 after earlier tariffs were struck down by the Supreme Court or expired. New York Attorney General Letitia James said, "After losing at the Supreme Court, the administration is once again trying to illegally raise taxes on families and businesses with a new round of tariffs.

She added, "No matter how the administration tries to justify it, the law and our Constitution are clear that the president does not have the power to impose sweeping tariffs on whatever countries he wants. The new tariffs impose 10 to 12.5% duties on imports from 60 trading partners, citing forced labor. States allege the duties act as a broad tariff policy rather than tailored measures under Section 301. This follows the Supreme Court's February ruling against Trump's global tariffs under IEEPA, and a subsequent 10% tariff round under Section 122, which a trade court deemed illegal and expired in July. A prior suit by Burlap and Barrel Inc. and Collective Horology LLC claimed the tariffs lack the country-wise inquiry Congress required under Section 301.