In a related move, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced a major legal challenge to new tariffs imposed by President Trump’s administration. During a press conference held on February 14, 2025, in New York City, she addressed the media and the public, outlining the reasons behind the lawsuit.
James said that the lawsuit aims to stop the tariffs. She claims that these tariffs are unconstitutional and harmful to the economy. She specifically noted that these tariffs place an exorbitant and unacceptable cost on the American public and American businesses. Getty Images Photographer Michael M. Santiago The press conference was vividly documented by Getty Images. Their song and dance embodied the importance of the event.
As one of the nation’s top legal officers, James’ statement signaled that the president has limited authority to issue tax policy.
“The president does not have the power to raise taxes on a whim, but that’s exactly what President Trump has been doing with these tariffs,” – New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Indeed, this assertion is central to the complaint. James contends that these actions go beyond the ordinary legal powers of the presidency. She also stressed the overall impact that tariffs have on raising prices on consumer goods and contributing to economic instability.
James’s initiative reflects a broader concern among state officials regarding the implications of federal tax policies. Our lawsuit’s goal is to protect those constitutional limits on executive power. This is particularly true for decisions that will have far-reaching effects on American households and job creators.
We commend the Attorney General’s office for stepping out and leading with the most compelling legal argument. They will claim that these tariffs are illegal under state and federal law. Depending on how the case plays out, it might establish new precedent about how tariffs should be imposed and how they can be successfully challenged.