California Sues Trump Over Tariffs

A single almond requires more than a gallon of water to grow and trees have to be irrigated throughout the year. Image by Editor.

Background of the Lawsuit

California is taking President Donald Trump to court over his tariffs.

State leaders say he doesn’t have the power to put these tariffs in place without Congress and that they are seriously hurting the state’s economy.

California is often called the country’s breadbasket. It grows about one-third of all the vegetables in the US, and 75% of the fruits and nuts. But a lot of that food is sold to other countries. In 2022, California exported nearly $24 billion worth of produce.

Impact of Tariffs on California’s Economy

Because China is putting new taxes (tariffs) on American goods, California farmers could lose a lot of money. These tariffs are a response to U.S. actions, creating a trade conflict.

This possible trade war is adding more worry to farming. Farmers have to plan and make choices far in advance, even before knowing how their crops will sell. This makes the uncertainty even harder.

The Lawsuit

Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit asking a federal judge to stop the tariffs on goods from Mexico, China, and Canada, as well as the 10% tariff Trump applied to many imports.

They say the law Trump is using — the International Economic Emergency Powers Act — has never been used to allow tariffs and needs approval from Congress for major actions like this.

They announced the lawsuit at an almond farm in Stanislaus County. Newsom said the tariffs act like a sales tax that makes everything more expensive — even for Trump’s supporters. California is the biggest manufacturing state and, according to Newsom, has a duty to fight back.

Response from the White House

In response, a White House spokesman defended the tariffs and criticized Newsom, saying he should focus on problems in California like crime and homelessness. He said Trump’s tariffs are meant to fix the trade deficit and help U.S. workers.

Legal Basis of the Lawsuit

The lawsuit refers to the “major questions doctrine,” a legal rule that says big decisions with wide effects need Congress’s input. This rule has been used before to strike down other presidential actions.

Newsom said if the courts are consistent, California will win the case. His office said the tariffs have already cost the state billions. Bonta added that major industries like farming and manufacturing — and California consumers — are feeling the pain. He pointed out that California’s top trade partners are Mexico, Canada, and China.

Impact on California’s Industries

Bonta said, “Trump’s out-of-control tariffs are damaging California’s economy, which is the fifth largest in the world. He doesn’t have the right to do this.”

Christine Gemperle, who owns the almond farm, said her business is uncertain about being able to afford the equipment it needs. “We can’t wait for years for supply chains to recover,” she said. “Farming is already hard. We don’t need more uncertainty.”

California’s Previous Actions Against Trump

Governor Newsom has been quieter about Trump lately, especially while asking for federal help after the wildfires. But now he’s speaking out more strongly, even accusing Trump of “corruption.”

This is California’s 14th lawsuit against Trump this year. State lawmakers earlier created a $50 million legal fund to fight Trump’s policies. Half of it goes to the state Department of Justice.

Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas said, “Trump’s tariffs are the biggest tax hike we’ve seen. They’re raising prices on food, medicine, and cars. That’s why we set up this legal fund — to protect people from these harmful policies.”

Conclusion

Newsom said they didn’t want to take legal action but felt they had to. The outcome of the lawsuit remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – the tariffs are having a significant impact on California’s economy and its people.

Sources: NPR, Guardian.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are tariffs and how do they affect California’s economy?

Tariffs are taxes on imported goods. They can increase the cost of goods for consumers and make it harder for California businesses to export their products.

Why is California suing Trump over tariffs?

California is suing Trump because it believes he does not have the power to impose tariffs without Congress’s approval. The state also argues that the tariffs are hurting its economy and people.

What is the “major questions doctrine” and how does it relate to the lawsuit?

The “major questions doctrine” is a legal rule that says big decisions with wide effects need Congress’s input. California is using this doctrine to argue that Trump’s tariffs are unconstitutional because they were imposed without Congress’s approval.