12 States SUE Trump Over Tariffs – Legal Showdown Begins | The Josh Lafazan Show
The Josh Lafazan Show on YouTube - Episode 109
Today on The Josh Lafazan Show, we’re diving into one of the most consequential legal battles playing out in America right now: the state of Oregon suing the Trump administration over its sweeping and controversial new tariff policy—and they just might win.
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield is leading a 12-state coalition in a lawsuit challenging President Trump’s move to impose massive new tariffs on imports from around the globe—without any congressional approval. The other states backing the lawsuit include Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, and Vermont.
So why Oregon?
As Rayfield explains, the Pacific Northwest's economy is heavily dependent on international trade. “Right now, in Canada, they’re literally pulling Oregon products off shelves,” he said, illustrating just how quickly and severely the tariffs are already impacting Oregon’s businesses and workers.
The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade and targets four executive orders from Trump that authorize sweeping tariff increases. The legal argument centers on Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977—a law designed to give the president special powers during a genuine national emergency. But critics argue Trump is misusing it as a political shortcut to bypass Congress on trade policy.
The IEEPA was never meant to be used this way.
Historically, Congress has had the authority to regulate tariffs, and for good reason. The Constitution explicitly grants this power to the legislative branch. But Trump has declared a national economic emergency, citing long-standing trade deficits and illegal drug imports, particularly fentanyl from China, to justify his actions. Legal experts and state officials say this rationale is weak and constitutionally dubious.
California is also taking action. Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a parallel lawsuit—this one in federal court in California—challenging Trump’s authority to impose tariffs without congressional approval. Like Oregon, California is invoking the IEEPA and the “major questions” doctrine, arguing that such sweeping policy changes require clear and specific authorization from Congress.
Bonta called Trump’s moves “illegal,” adding, “The president’s chaotic and haphazard implementation of tariffs is not only deeply troubling—it’s illegal.” Newsom added that the tariffs are “wreaking chaos on California families, businesses, and our economy—driving up prices and threatening jobs.”
These legal fights are not just procedural—they're about the economic well-being of millions of Americans. Tariffs are essentially a tax on imported goods, and those costs are passed directly to consumers. Everyday Americans end up paying more for cars, electronics, groceries, and countless other items.
The economic data is alarming:
📉 The stock market has taken a massive hit.
📈 Gold, a traditional hedge against instability, has surged to record highs.
💵 The U.S. dollar has weakened significantly.
🛍️ Consumer spending and confidence have dropped.
🧾 Small businesses say they can’t keep up with the rising costs.
It’s not just the short-term chaos that’s worrying—it’s the long-term precedent. If the courts allow the executive branch to impose tariffs on this scale without congressional approval, it could change the structure of U.S. economic governance for decades to come.
And let’s not forget history: This isn’t the first time America has experimented with high tariffs. The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of the 1930s famously worsened the Great Depression. Today’s version is even more extreme—just as poorly timed—and just as damaging.
California, the world’s 5th largest economy and America’s #1 importer, has enormous skin in the game. With Mexico, Canada, and China as its top trading partners, the state’s farmers, exporters, and consumers are all feeling the pain. That’s why legal experts and economic analysts alike are closely watching the Oregon-led suit, which may be the first to reach a courtroom decision.
And it’s not just state governments fighting back.
National legal advocacy groups are also taking action. The Liberty Justice Center filed a lawsuit on behalf of five small businesses, and the conservative New Civil Liberties Alliance has also sued, arguing that Trump grossly overstepped his legal authority.
The White House is expected to vigorously defend its actions. But if the courts rule against Trump, the case could restore critical checks and balances on executive power—and rein in the use of emergency declarations for sweeping policy changes. And that would be a win not just for Oregon, not just for California, but for the integrity of American democracy and the long-term health of the global economy.
So here’s the big question: Will Oregon stop Trump’s tariff war in its tracks? Will the courts rule that Trump exceeded his powers? Or will these tariffs continue to destabilize markets, burden families, and deepen global trade tensions?
For the sake of our economy—and our Constitution—many are hoping Oregon wins.
🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to The Josh Lafazan Show for more in-depth political analysis, economic breakdowns, and straight talk on what’s happening in Washington and across the country.
Let us know in the comments:
📌 Do you think Trump overstepped with his tariff powers?
📌 Should states have more power to stop economic damage?
📌 Will Oregon’s lawsuit change the course of trade policy?
#politics #news #congress #politicalnews #newsupdate #usa #america #trump #donaldtrump #newsheadlines #newstoday #fyp #election