California Sues Trump Administration Over Sweeping Tariffs
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California has become the first U.S. state to launch a legal challenge against President Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs, which have disrupted trade with key global partners. Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the lawsuit Wednesday, arguing that the tariffs disproportionately harm California’s economy—especially its export-heavy agriculture sector.
Speaking from an almond farm in the Central Valley, Newsom warned that no state stands to lose more than California, noting that nearly half of its almond, pistachio, and dairy production depends on global exports. The lawsuit challenges Trump’s use of the International Economic Emergency Powers Act as the legal basis for the tariffs, calling it an abuse of presidential power and accusing the administration of manufacturing “bogus” emergencies to bypass Congress.
While the White House dismissed the lawsuit as a political stunt, Newsom and Bonta insisted they’re taking a stand to protect the state’s economy and workers. The legal action follows similar suits filed by small businesses earlier this week and marks California’s 14th lawsuit against the Trump administration. Meanwhile, Newsom is reportedly working on individual trade deals to shield California products from retaliatory tariffs abroad.
