A coalition of 12 US states has filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump’s administration, challenging what they describe as “illegal tariffs” imposed without congressional approval.

Filed in the US Court of International Trade in New York, the suit seeks to block enforcement of the tariffs, claiming they violate constitutional limits on executive authority and have destabilized the economy.

The plaintiffs — attorneys general from Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, and Vermont — argue that the tariffs were enacted based on presidential whims rather than legal grounds.

The lawsuit contends that President Trump unlawfully invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which is meant to be used only in the event of an “unusual and extraordinary threat” from abroad.

“By unilaterally imposing massive and shifting tariffs for any reason he deems an emergency, the President has overstepped his authority and thrown the American economy into chaos,” the lawsuit states.

New York Attorney General Letitia James criticized the administration’s actions, saying, “Congress has not given the President the power to impose these tariffs. His actions violate the law and, if left unchecked, will lead to inflation, job losses, and long-term economic harm.”

Echoing this sentiment, New York Governor Kathy Hochul said, “President Trump’s reckless tariffs are driving up prices for consumers and creating unnecessary economic turmoil across the country.”

In defense, White House spokesperson Kush Desai said, “The administration remains committed to addressing this national emergency that’s decimating American industries and workers, using all available tools — from tariffs to diplomatic negotiations.”

On April 2, Trump signed an executive order declaring a national emergency and imposing “reciprocal tariffs” on all US trading partners. The move, justified under IEEPA, drew criticism from both domestic and international quarters and caused notable volatility in financial markets.

The legal battle now sets the stage for a significant test of presidential powers in the realm of trade policy.