California sues Trump over ‘unlawful’ tariffs

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Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Wednesday that the state is suing the Trump administration over its sweeping new tariffs, accusing the president of exceeding his authority and threatening the stability of California’s economy.

Newsom, standing beside California Attorney General Rob Bonta, revealed plans to file the lawsuit in San Francisco federal court, marking the first legal challenge from a state aimed directly at President Trump’s recently announced tariff plan. The suit seeks an immediate injunction to block the tariffs from taking effect.

“President Trump’s unlawful tariffs are wreaking chaos on California families, businesses, and our economy — driving up prices and threatening jobs,” Newsom said in a sharply worded statement. “We’re standing up for American families who can’t afford to let the chaos continue.”

The tariffs, announced by Trump on April 2 — which he controversially dubbed “Liberation Day” — include a 10% baseline levy on imports from most countries, along with aggressive “reciprocal” tariffs targeting nations that impose higher tariffs on U.S. goods. China, in response, has already slapped a 125% tariff on American imports. Days after the initial announcement, Trump backtracked slightly, granting a 90-day pause on most reciprocal tariffs, though his administration has confirmed that China now faces duties as high as 245%.

Electronics were granted a temporary reprieve, with reciprocal tariffs on computers and laptops paused to prevent a sharp rise in consumer prices. However, Trump is reportedly considering further tariffs on semiconductors imported from China, a move that could have far-reaching consequences for both the tech industry and consumers.

Newsom and Bonta argue the economic blowback will be particularly harsh in California. With over 60,000 small business exporters in the state, the governor’s office warns that critical industries — from agriculture to reconstruction — could suffer devastating consequences. Of particular concern are materials like steel and aluminum, which are vital for rebuilding after a wave of destructive fires that ravaged the Los Angeles area earlier this year.

“The President’s chaotic and haphazard implementation of tariffs is not only deeply troubling, it’s illegal,” Bonta declared, adding that the administration’s policy swings “go beyond his presidential power.”

Newsom, widely seen as a potential Democratic contender for the presidency in 2028, has been positioning himself as a counterweight to Trump’s economic agenda. Earlier this month, he urged world leaders to exempt California-made products from the effects of the federal trade policy, underscoring the state’s global economic standing.

“Donald Trump’s tariffs do not represent all Americans, particularly those I represent here in the fifth largest economy in the world, the state of California,” Newsom said. “California is a stable trading partner and we hope you remember that as you consider California-made products.”

In an effort to counter the chilling effect of Trump’s trade disputes, Newsom also launched a new tourism campaign this week aimed at attracting Canadian visitors, many of whom have been deterred by ongoing tensions between their country and the U.S.

The lawsuit could set the stage for a significant legal battle over executive power and trade policy, one that may reverberate well beyond California’s borders.