American State that is home to the world's three of the biggest technology companies sues Donald Trump; Governor Gavin Newsom declares: We are taking him to court
California has filed a federal lawsuit against former President Donald Trump, seeking to block his expansive tariff policy. The state contends that Trump’s approach to implementing tariffs — part of his broader protectionist trade agenda — is illegal and poses a serious threat to the state’s economy. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Northern California, marks the first legal challenge from a state against Trump’s proposed tariff regime. California officials argue that the former president's reliance on the International Economic Emergency Powers Act to justify his “reciprocal tariff” plan is both “unlawful and unprecedented,” according to Governor Gavin Newsom’s office.
“Donald Trump does not have the authority to unilaterally impose the largest tax hike of our lifetime with his destructive tariffs,” Newsom wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “We’re taking him to court.”
The state, home to major tech companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft, warns the tariffs could inflict “immediate and irreparable harm” on California’s economy — the largest in the nation — particularly its manufacturing and agriculture sectors.
California has filed more than a dozen lawsuits challenging Trump’s policies this year. But the tariffs lawsuit marks the first time this year that Newsom, who is already considered a top 2028 presidential prospect, has been a plaintiff. The Democratic governor scaled back his anti-Trump rhetoric after January’s deadly Los Angeles fires as the state sought federal support.
Attorney General Rob Bonta echoed those concerns, calling Trump’s trade actions “chaotic, haphazard, and illegal.” “California is the fifth largest economy in the world. We understand that global trade is not a game,” Bonta said in a statement. “The fallout from the President’s actions will be felt by everyone — from farmers in the Central Valley to small businesses and families across the state.”
White House slams lawsuit
In response, the White House criticized the lawsuit. “Instead of focusing on California’s rampant crime, homelessness, and unaffordability, Gavin Newsom is spending his time trying to block President Trump’s historic efforts to finally address the national emergency of our country’s persistent goods trade deficits,” White House spokesperson Kush Desai told CNBC.
Desai added that the Trump administration remains “committed to addressing this national emergency that’s decimating America’s industries and leaving our workers behind,” using tools ranging from tariffs to international negotiations.
California has filed a federal lawsuit against former President Donald Trump, seeking to block his expansive tariff policy. The state contends that Trump’s approach to implementing tariffs — part of his broader protectionist trade agenda — is illegal and poses a serious threat to the state’s economy. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Northern California, marks the first legal challenge from a state against Trump’s proposed tariff regime. California officials argue that the former president's reliance on the International Economic Emergency Powers Act to justify his “reciprocal tariff” plan is both “unlawful and unprecedented,” according to Governor Gavin Newsom’s office.
“Donald Trump does not have the authority to unilaterally impose the largest tax hike of our lifetime with his destructive tariffs,” Newsom wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “We’re taking him to court.”
Donald Trump does not have the authority to unilaterally impose the largest tax hike of our lifetime with his destructive tariffs.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) April 16, 2025
We’re taking him to court. pic.twitter.com/LAm1NRx300
The state, home to major tech companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft, warns the tariffs could inflict “immediate and irreparable harm” on California’s economy — the largest in the nation — particularly its manufacturing and agriculture sectors.
California has filed more than a dozen lawsuits challenging Trump’s policies this year. But the tariffs lawsuit marks the first time this year that Newsom, who is already considered a top 2028 presidential prospect, has been a plaintiff. The Democratic governor scaled back his anti-Trump rhetoric after January’s deadly Los Angeles fires as the state sought federal support.
Attorney General Rob Bonta echoed those concerns, calling Trump’s trade actions “chaotic, haphazard, and illegal.” “California is the fifth largest economy in the world. We understand that global trade is not a game,” Bonta said in a statement. “The fallout from the President’s actions will be felt by everyone — from farmers in the Central Valley to small businesses and families across the state.”
White House slams lawsuit
In response, the White House criticized the lawsuit. “Instead of focusing on California’s rampant crime, homelessness, and unaffordability, Gavin Newsom is spending his time trying to block President Trump’s historic efforts to finally address the national emergency of our country’s persistent goods trade deficits,” White House spokesperson Kush Desai told CNBC.
Desai added that the Trump administration remains “committed to addressing this national emergency that’s decimating America’s industries and leaving our workers behind,” using tools ranging from tariffs to international negotiations.
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