California Gov. Gavin Newsom and state Attorney General Rob Bonta said Wednesday they will file a lawsuit against the Trump administration, questioning the president's authority to impose the sweeping tariffs that have set off a global trade war.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of California, argues that President Trump doesn't have the presidential authority to unilaterally impose tariffs using the International Economic Emergency Powers Act, Newsom's office said.
The Democratic governor, who has been a vocal critic of Trump and his administration, announced the lawsuit on his latest podcast episode, emphasizing the impact of tariffs in potentially leading to higher prices.
"Impacts of these tariffs are disproportionately being felt here in California, the No. 1 manufacturing state in America, a state that will be significantly impacted by this unilateral decision by the president of the United States," Newsom added.
California has the largest economy among U.S. states and is a massive exporter. In his announcement, Governor Newsom said his administration would defend his constituents and try to prevent the White House from further ensuing "chaos."
"President Trump's unlawful tariffs are wreaking chaos on California families, businesses, and our economy— driving up prices and threatening jobs," he said in a statement. "We're standing up for American families who can't afford to let the chaos continue."
The Democratic governor is a potential contender for the 2028 Democratic ticket. On his recently launched podcast he has hosted some conservatives, such as Charlie Kirk and Steve Bannon, as guests, drawing criticism from fellow Democrats after seeming to agree with them on some issues, including the participation of transgender athletes in women's sports.
California Attorney General Bonta echoed the governor's sentiments, saying in a statement that the president's tariffs are "not only deeply troubling, it's illegal."
"Californians are bracing for fallout from the impact of the President's choices— from farmers in the Central Valley, to small businesses in Sacramento, and worried families at the kitchen table— this game the President is playing has very real consequences for Californians across our state," he said. "I am proud to go to bat alongside Governor Newsom to fight for California's vibrant economy, businesses, and residents."
The lawsuit comes weeks after Newsom pleaded with foreign nations to spare California from retaliatory tariffs stemming from Trump's escalating trade war. He took to X to make his case in early April, telling countries across the world that not all Americans, particularly in his administration, agree with Trump's policies.
"Donald Trump's tariffs do not represent all Americans," Newsom posted. The 40 million residents of California, he said, live in "the tent pole of the U.S. economy" that represents 14% of the nation's GDP and is the fifth largest economy in the world.
"I've directed my administration to look at new opportunities to expand trade and to remind our trading partners around the globe that California remains a stable partner," he continued, asserting that his state is "ready to talk" with global trading partners.
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