(WNY News Now) – Attorney General Letitia James and Governor Kathy Hochul lead multi-state lawsuit to block tariffs they claim are unlawful and economically harmful.
NEW YORK — New York Attorney General Letitia James and Governor Kathy Hochul announced a joint lawsuit alongside 11 other states against the Trump administration, challenging tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The coalition alleges that the tariffs, described as the largest federal tax hike in American history, were enacted without congressional approval and are already damaging the U.S. economy.
Filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade, the lawsuit contends that the Trump administration exceeded its authority by using executive orders, social media posts, and agency directives to impose sweeping tariffs on imports from nearly every country, including key U.S. allies. The coalition is seeking a court order to block these tariffs from being enforced.
“The president does not have the power to raise taxes on a whim, but that’s exactly what President Trump has been doing with these tariffs,” said Attorney General James. “Donald Trump promised that he would lower prices and ease the cost of living, but these illegal tariffs will have the exact opposite effect on American families. His tariffs are unlawful and if not stopped, they will lead to more inflation, unemployment, and economic damage.”
“President Trump’s reckless tariffs have skyrocketed costs for consumers and unleashed economic chaos across the country. New York is standing up to fight back against the largest federal tax hike in American history,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “Attorney General James and I are partnering on this litigation on behalf of New York consumers, because we can’t let President Trump push our country into a recession.”
The lawsuit emphasizes that IEEPA was never intended to give presidents broad power to impose tariffs except in true national emergencies. Critics argue that Trump’s actions go beyond the law’s scope and violate both the Constitution and the Administrative Procedure Act.
Economists and local leaders warn of serious fallout if the tariffs continue. The New York City Comptroller’s Office estimates a mild recession triggered by the tariffs could cost over 35,000 jobs in the city. State agencies may face over $100 million in additional costs due to rising prices. Small businesses and industries relying on imports, including energy and newsprint, are already feeling the strain.
Joining New York in the lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Vermont.
The coalition is urging the court to halt further implementation of the tariffs and rule that the Trump administration’s use of IEEPA in this context is unlawful.
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