Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford has joined a coalition of 12 attorneys general in a legal challenge against President Trump's tariffs, which they claim are imposed unlawfully. The lawsuit, titled State of Oregon, et al., v. Trump, et al., was filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade and contests four executive orders by President Trump that seek to raise tariffs globally without congressional consent.
AG Ford stated, “The president has certain authority to impose tariffs, but the approach he has taken is not only unlawful but also completely disrupts both the global economy and the day-to-day lives of Nevadans trying to make ends meet.” He added, “When the president oversteps his authority, I will meet him in court. His actions here are a monumental overstep, and we’re suing to address it.”
The challenged executive orders include substantial tariff increases: a 145% tariff on most Chinese products; 25% on goods from Canada and Mexico; and 10% on imports from other countries. Additionally, there is an impending plan to increase tariffs on imports from 46 trading partners set for July 9.
Analysts suggest these measures could lead to $985 million in additional costs for Nevada businesses due to import rates into the state. These costs would likely be transferred to consumers.
The lawsuit argues that Article I of the Constitution reserves the power to impose taxes and duties solely for Congress. The executive orders refer to powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which permits action only during emergencies posing "unusual and extraordinary threat" from abroad—conditions not applicable for imposing tariffs according to this case.
Attorney General Ford joins forces with lead Attorneys General Dan Rayfield from Oregon and Kris Mayes from Arizona along with counterparts from Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, and Vermont.