CALIFORNIA – Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statement, May 28, in response to a federal court ruling that President Donald Trump’s tariffs are unlawful.
“Like we said when we filed our lawsuit: These tariffs are illegal, full stop. The court agreed today that Donald Trump overstepped his authority with his unlawful tariffs, which have created chaos and hurt American families and businesses,” said Newsom.
The Court of International Trade ruled that the tariffs Trump imposed on most countries, in April, are illegal.
In their ruling, the 3-judge panel explained that because of the Constitution’s express allocation of the tariff power to Congress, they do not read the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to delegate an unbounded tariff authority to the President.
Trump invoked the IEEPA for tariffs to address what his administration described as threats to national security and economic stability.
The court’s ruling invalidates the tariffs with exception to those on steel, aluminum and autos since they were enacted under a different statute.
‘It is not for unelected judges to decide how to properly address a national emergency’
White House deputy press secretary Kush Desai said it is not for unelected judges to decide how to properly address a national emergency, in response to the ruling.
“President Trump pledged to put America first, and the administration is committed to using every lever of executive power to address this crisis and restore American greatness,” said Desai in a statement.
According to NPR, Desai did not answer directly when asked if the administration planned to appeal the ruling.
Today’s decision was issued as part of a separate lawsuit filed by private parties and other states, but aligns with California’s arguments.
