JUST IN: Gavin Newsom Announces California Lawsuit Against Trump Over Tariffs

 

Photo credit: Gage Skidmore/CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr

JUST IN: Gavin Newsom Announces California Lawsuit Against Trump Over Tariffs

SACRAMENTO, CA – April 15, 2025 — California Governor Gavin Newsom announced Monday that the state of California is filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration in response to its newly imposed tariffs. In a video message posted to social media, Newsom slammed the tariffs as “the largest tax increase in modern American history,” arguing they would devastate California's economy and manufacturing sector.

“Today I announced a lawsuit on behalf of the state of California suing the Trump administration,” Newsom said. “California is the largest manufacturing state in our union and one of the largest trading partners around the globe. No state will be impacted more than California by this unilateral move.”

The lawsuit challenges what Newsom describes as the Trump administration's overreach of executive authority in enacting sweeping trade tariffs without proper congressional input. The governor emphasized that the tariffs threaten California’s $3.9 trillion economy, particularly industries tied to global exports, including agriculture, technology, and advanced manufacturing.

California Leads the Legal Fight Over Tariff Policy

This legal move positions California as the first state to directly challenge President Trump’s aggressive tariff strategy, which has faced criticism from international trading partners and domestic business leaders. While the Trump administration argues the tariffs are essential to counter foreign trade imbalances and protect American jobs, critics like Newsom warn they will backfire on U.S. consumers and exporters alike.

“The Trump tariffs are not just bad policy—they’re illegal,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who confirmed his office will be leading the litigation. “We are prepared to fight this in court and defend California businesses, workers, and families from unfair economic harm.”

Potential National Impact

As the nation's most populous state and a major global economic hub, California’s lawsuit could have far-reaching implications. If successful, it may force the Trump administration to reconsider or scale back its tariff measures—or prompt similar challenges from other states impacted by international trade restrictions.

The lawsuit is expected to be filed in federal court later this week. In the meantime, Governor Newsom is calling on business leaders, labor unions, and elected officials across party lines to join the fight against what he described as "reckless economic warfare."

Key Takeaways:

• California is suing the Trump administration over its new round of tariffs.

• Newsom says the tariffs represent “the largest tax increase in modern American history.”

• The lawsuit claims executive overreach and economic harm to California’s industries.

• Legal experts expect this case could set a national precedent.

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FAQs: Gavin Newsom's Lawsuit Against Trump Over Tariffs

Q1. Why is California suing the Trump administration over tariffs?
Governor Gavin Newsom argues that the new tariffs imposed by the Trump administration will disproportionately harm California’s economy. As the largest manufacturing state and a global trade hub, California is expected to suffer job losses, higher prices, and disrupted export markets.

Q2. What are the legal grounds for the lawsuit?
The lawsuit claims that the Trump administration exceeded its executive authority by imposing broad tariffs without proper Congressional oversight, violating constitutional limits and economic fairness protections.

Q3. How much could these tariffs cost California?
While exact numbers are still being analyzed, state officials estimate billions in economic losses across industries such as agriculture, technology, and manufacturing—sectors that heavily rely on global trade.

Q4. What impact could this lawsuit have on the rest of the country?
If successful, California’s lawsuit could set a legal precedent and encourage other states or industry groups to challenge the federal government’s trade authority. It could also slow or reverse the rollout of additional tariffs.

Q5. Has California challenged federal policies like this before?
Yes. California has a history of pushing back against federal policies it views as overreaching or harmful, including environmental rollbacks, immigration orders, and now trade tariffs.

Q6. What is President Trump’s justification for the new tariffs?
The Trump administration argues that the tariffs are necessary to protect American workers and industries from unfair foreign trade practices, particularly from China and other large exporters.

Q7. When will the lawsuit be filed?
According to Governor Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta, the lawsuit is expected to be filed in federal court later this week.

Q8. How are California businesses reacting?
Many California-based business leaders and trade associations have voiced support for the lawsuit, citing concerns over higher import costs, lost export opportunities, and increased uncertainty in global markets.