States and Businesses Challenge Trump's Temporary Tariffs

Lawsuit seeks to overturn president's use of 1974 trade law to impose new tariffs

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:35am

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A heavily textured, fragmented painting in shades of blue and gray depicting a stylized gavel or scales of justice, conveying the legal complexities surrounding presidential trade policies.A legal challenge to Trump-era tariffs exposes the ongoing tensions over the president's trade authority.Washington Today

The U.S. Court of International Trade heard oral arguments in a lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump's use of a 1974 trade law to impose temporary worldwide tariffs. Two dozen states and some businesses are arguing that the president overstepped his authority in imposing the new tariffs after the Supreme Court struck down his preferred choice of even bigger, sweeping tariffs.

Why it matters

Trump's tariff policies have been a major part of his economic agenda, but they have faced repeated legal challenges. This latest lawsuit represents an ongoing battle over the president's trade powers and the impact of his tariffs on states, businesses, and the broader economy.

The details

After the Supreme Court in February struck down Trump's preferred choice of even bigger, sweeping tariffs, the president turned to a 1974 trade law to impose temporary worldwide tariffs as a stopgap solution. Now two dozen states and some businesses are challenging the president's authority to impose these new temporary tariffs in court.

  • The U.S. Court of International Trade heard oral arguments in the case on Friday, April 13, 2026.
  • In February 2026, the Supreme Court struck down Trump's preferred choice of even bigger, sweeping tariffs.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president who implemented the tariff policies that are now being challenged in court.

U.S. Court of International Trade

The federal court that heard oral arguments in the lawsuit challenging Trump's temporary tariffs.

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What they’re saying

“The centerpiece of President Donald Trump's economic policy is under legal assault again.”

— Bernie Bennett, Reporter

What’s next

The court will now consider the arguments and issue a ruling on whether to overturn Trump's temporary tariffs imposed under the 1974 trade law.

The takeaway

This lawsuit represents the ongoing legal battles over the extent of the president's trade powers and the impact of tariff policies on states, businesses, and the broader economy. The outcome could have significant implications for future trade actions by the executive branch.