25 States File Lawsuit Against Trump Administration Over Tariffs

A coalition of 25 states filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on August 4, 2026, claiming that the administration exceeded its authority in imposing new tariffs last month. The tariffs, enacted under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, target 60 economies with rates between 10% and 12.5%. California Attorney General Rob Bonta stated that this is the third lawsuit against the administration regarding tariff impositions, arguing that they make life more expensive for American families and small businesses. The Trump administration has defended the tariffs, stating they are necessary to address unfair trade practices, particularly concerning imports produced with forced labor. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade, claims the tariffs are not aimed at addressing forced labor but are instead a replacement for previously struck down levies. The states involved in the lawsuit include Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin. Despite a decrease in U.S. tariff rates this year, tariffs remain a significant aspect of the administration's trade policy.