California first state to file suit against Trump's tariffs
Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom says his state is taking a stand against what he considers a "wrecking ball" for the United States' reputation.
Gavin Newsom greets Donald Trump in a file image.
California Governor Gavin Newsom on Wednesday announced a lawsuit against President Trump's executive authority to enact international tariffs without congressional support, which the Democrat likened to a "wrecking ball" for America's global reputation.
The lawsuit argues that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act that Trump cited to impose tariffs does not grant the president the ability to unilaterally adopt tariffs on imported goods. The California court action is the first state challenge against Trump's trade policy.
"No state is poised to lose more than the state of California," Newsom said regarding Trump's tariffs. "That's why we’re asserting ourselves on behalf of 40 million Americans," he added.
Newsom said he decided to take action after digesting the effects of the tariffs over the past few weeks and took the opportunity to lash out at the president: "He is betraying the people that supported him. Donald Trump has turned his back on his supporters."
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