Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced on Mar. 13 that she has joined a coalition of attorneys general in filing a motion to stop President Trump’s latest attempt to impose tariffs on products purchased by American consumers and businesses. The motion, filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade, seeks summary judgment or a preliminary injunction against the new tariffs.
The issue is significant because the tariffs could increase costs for both state governments and consumers. Economic analysis submitted to the court indicates that state governments in the 24 plaintiff states may face at least $748 million per year in additional expenses due to these tariffs. A recent study by researchers at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York found that nearly 90% of last year’s tariff costs were paid by American consumers and businesses.
“Tariffs are taxes, and President Trump cannot concoct imaginary conditions that would allow him to impose taxes without involving Congress,” said Attorney General Davenport. “The Administration’s unwillingness to return the billions of dollars taken from businesses and families in his first round of invalidated tariffs makes clear the need for the courts to move quickly to protect them from his latest illogical, illegal scheme.”
President Trump initially used the International Emergency Economic Powers Act as justification for imposing tariffs, but those actions were ruled unlawful by the Supreme Court. The administration is now invoking Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows tariffs only when there are large and serious balance-of-payment deficits. However, according to today’s filing, there is no such deficit under current economic conditions with a floating currency.
The case, State of Oregon, et al., v. Trump, et al., is scheduled for oral argument before a three-judge panel on April 10 in New York City. Joining Davenport are attorneys general from several other states as well as governors from Kentucky and Pennsylvania.
According to the official website, the New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin aims to protect residents’ lives and property, uphold legal standards, and deliver statewide enforcement and legal support according to its official website. The office extends its services throughout all counties and municipalities in New Jersey according to its official website, influencing public safety through law enforcement oversight according to its official website. It holds authority over law enforcement matters under its statutory mandate according to its official website and provides services including legal representation for the state, crime lab support, victim advocacy, and consumer protection initiatives according to its official website. The agency functions as a central body focused on justice and public safety across New Jersey according to its official website.
