More Than 20 States Sue Over New Global Tariffs Imposed by Trump

The lawsuit challenges the president's use of a rarely invoked law to impose 15% tariffs on foreign goods.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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A group of over 20 states, led by Democratic attorneys general, have filed a lawsuit challenging the new global tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump. The states argue that Trump is overstepping his authority by invoking Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to impose the 15% tariffs, which they say were intended for limited, specific circumstances and not for combating trade deficits. The lawsuit contends the tariffs will drive up costs for states, businesses, and consumers.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing legal battles between states and the federal government over the president's use of trade authorities. It also raises questions about the scope and applicability of the rarely used Section 122 provision, which has not been invoked before to address trade deficits. The outcome could set an important precedent for future presidents' ability to unilaterally impose tariffs.

The details

The lawsuit was filed by attorneys general from two dozen states, including Oregon, Arizona, California, and New York. They argue that Section 122 was intended for specific, limited circumstances related to international payments crises, not for addressing broader trade deficits. The states also contend the tariffs will harm their economies by driving up costs. This is the latest in a series of legal challenges to Trump's use of trade authorities, with the states having previously successfully sued over tariffs imposed under a different law.

  • On February 20, 2026, the Supreme Court struck down Trump's previous tariffs imposed under emergency powers.
  • Four days later, on February 24, 2026, Trump invoked Section 122 to impose 10% tariffs on foreign goods, which he said would be raised to 15% this week.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president who imposed the new global tariffs under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974.

Scott Bessant

The Treasury Secretary who told CNBC that the administration would raise the tariffs to the 15% limit this week.

Peter Harrell

A visiting scholar at Georgetown University's Institute of International Economic Law who wrote that courts will likely provide Trump more deference regarding Section 122 than his previous tariffs.

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What they’re saying

“The legal reality is that courts will likely provide President Trump substantially more deference regarding Section 122 than they did to his previous tariffs under IEEPA.”

— Peter Harrell, Visiting Scholar, Georgetown University's Institute of International Economic Law (Commentary)

What’s next

The specialized Court of International Trade in New York will hear the states' lawsuit challenging Trump's use of Section 122 to impose the new global tariffs.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing legal battles over the president's trade authorities and the scope of the rarely used Section 122 provision. The outcome could set an important precedent for future presidents' ability to unilaterally impose tariffs to address trade deficits.