A legal advocacy group, the Liberty Justice Center, has filed a lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump’s broad tariffs on foreign trading partners, arguing that the president exceeded his authority by unilaterally imposing these taxes. Representing five US businesses affected by the tariffs, the group asserts that the power to set tax rates, including tariffs, resides with Congress, not the President. Jeffrey Schwab, senior counsel at the Liberty Justice Center, emphasized the significant global economic impact of these tariffs and the need to uphold constitutional principles.
The businesses involved in the lawsuit range from a New York-based importer of wines and spirits to a Virginia-based producer of educational kits and musical instruments. The Liberty Justice Center, known for its role in the Janus v AFSCME case, aims to protect the interests of these owner-operated businesses harmed by the tariffs.
This legal challenge comes amidst a broader pushback against the Trump administration’s trade policies, with a similar lawsuit in Florida federal court seeking to block tariffs on China. The White House has yet to comment on the matter. The outcome of these legal battles could have lasting implications for US trade relations and the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches in shaping economic policy.
