A legal advocacy organization filed a lawsuit on Monday challenging U.S. President Donald Trump’s broad tariffs on international trade partners.
The group asked the U.S. Court of International Trade to stop the enforcement of the president’s extensive tariffs, arguing that he exceeded the limits of his executive authority.
The suit was brought by the nonpartisan Liberty Justice Center on behalf of five small American companies that rely on imports from countries affected by the tariffs.
The businesses involved include a New York-based importer of wine and spirits and a Virginia company that produces educational kits and musical instruments.
The case contests Trump’s April 2 “Liberation Day” tariffs, in addition to other tariffs he separately placed on Chinese goods.
“No one person should have the power to impose taxes that have such vast global economic consequences.
The Constitution gives the power to set tax rates — including tariffs — to Congress, not the President,” said Jeffrey Schwab, senior counsel at Liberty Justice Center, in a statement.
In response, White House spokesperson Harrison Fields defended the administration’s move, saying: “Never Trumpers will always oppose him, but President Trump is standing up for Main Street by putting an end to our trading partners, especially China, exploiting the U.S.
His plan levels the playing field for businesses and workers to address our country’s national emergency of chronic trade deficits.”
Trump had earlier introduced a 10% tariff on goods from all nations, with even steeper rates for countries his administration claims impose unfair restrictions on U.S. products—though many of those measures were later paused for 90 days.
The tariffs were enacted through an executive order citing laws like the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which grants the president authority to respond to unusual or urgent threats facing the U.S.
However, in Monday’s lawsuit, the Liberty Justice Center contended that the legislation does not permit presidents to unilaterally impose tariffs.