PHOENIX — Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is co-leading a multistate lawsuit to block what she calls President Donald Trump’s “illegal” and “economically reckless” new global tariff scheme.
Filed Wednesday in the U.S. Court of International Trade, the lawsuit challenges four executive orders from the Trump administration that impose sweeping tariffs without congressional approval. The orders would apply a 145% tariff on most products from China, a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, and a 10% tariff on products from other countries. Tariffs on imports from 46 more trading partners are also slated to begin on July 9.
“President Trump’s insane tariff scheme is not only economically reckless — it is illegal,” said Mayes. “Arizona cannot afford President Trump’s massive tax increase. No matter what the White House claims, tariffs are a tax that will be passed on to Arizona consumers.”
The coalition argues that Trump lacks the constitutional authority to impose these tariffs without congressional approval. They claim the administration is misusing the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which does not allow for trade restrictions unless there is an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to national security — something critics say doesn’t apply here.
According to studies cited by the attorneys general, 95% of the cost of the tariffs would be paid by American consumers, potentially adding thousands of dollars to the average Arizona family’s cost of living. The Federal Reserve and International Monetary Fund have warned the tariffs could fuel inflation.
Local businesses also fear the impact. “Coffee is going to be especially hard-hit,” said Bill Sandweg, owner of Copper Star Coffee. “Italian equipment, coffee beans, tea, packaging… the list goes on. This could devastate the restaurant industry.”
Mayes added, “As Arizona’s chief law enforcement officer, I will not stand by while President Trump jeopardizes Arizona’s economy.”
The case, State of Oregon, et al., v. Trump, et al., is being led by Mayes and Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, with support from the attorneys general of Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, and Vermont.
