States sue to block Trump tariffs on global imports

DENVER — Phil Weiser joined a coalition of state attorneys general in filing a lawsuit challenging the latest tariffs imposed by Donald Trump, arguing the measures were enacted without congressional approval.

The lawsuit challenges the administration’s attempt to impose tariffs worldwide under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, following the U.S. Supreme Court’s two-week earlier ruling that tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act were unlawful.

Weiser said the tariffs would increase costs for consumers and businesses.

“The Trump administration continues to disregard guardrails and legal requirements designed to protect consumers and businesses from price increases on everyday needs,” Weiser said. “These tariffs are illegal and will harm Coloradans unless stopped by the courts.”

Under the new action, the administration announced tariffs of 15% on most imported products worldwide, citing trade deficits. The lawsuit argues that the administration cannot rely on Section 122 because the law applies to large balance-of-payments deficits, not trade deficits.

Research from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York found that nearly 90% of tariff costs in 2025 were paid by American consumers and businesses.

A 2025 state report estimated tariffs increased costs across nearly all sectors of Colorado’s economy, with about $600 million passed on to residents.

The lawsuit argues the tariffs violate federal law, the constitutional separation of powers and the Administrative Procedure Act.

The case, **State of Oregon et al. v. Trump et al.**, was filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade.

The case is led by Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, California Attorney General Rob Bonta and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Attorneys general from Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin also joined the lawsuit, along with the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania.