25 states sue Trump administration over latest round of tariffs

Updated on: August 3, 2026 / 5:55 PM EDT / CBS News

25 states sue Trump administration over latest round of tariffs

TL;DR

  • 25 states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over new tariffs.
  • The tariffs, enacted under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, target 60 economies.
  • States allege the administration exceeded its authority and misused presidential power.
  • California Attorney General Rob Bonta stated this is the third legal challenge against the administration's tariff policies.
  • The administration defends the tariffs as a lawful tool to address unfair trade practices and forced labor.
  • The lawsuit claims the tariffs are an attempt to replace levies struck down by the Supreme Court and that the investigation process was rushed.
  • The U.S. effective tariff rate has fallen to 7.4% this year.