Trump Administration Faces Third Lawsuit Over Tariffs

Connecticut has joined a third lawsuit against the Trump Administration's efforts to impose tariffs on American consumers and businesses. The case, filed by a coalition of 25 states, challenges the administration's recent decision to increase tariffs on more than 80 countries that together account for 99.4% of all U.S. imports.

Attorney General William Tong said the costs associated with the tariffs would increase the price of essential consumer goods. 'Two losses in court should have been enough to get the message across,' Tong said, referring to previous court rulings against the administration's tariff policies. 'But Trump still can't seem to grasp that he is not above the law.'

Tong explained that the latest lawsuit challenges Trump's attempt to impose tariffs under a new law, Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which the administration claims gives it the authority to investigate countries for forced labor practices and impose tariffs accordingly. However, Tong argued that this action exceeds the administration's legal authority and violates the Administrative Procedure Act.

The coalition of states includes Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania.

A recent analysis by researchers at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York found that nearly 90% of tariff costs in 2025 were paid by American consumers and businesses. The Trump Administration's continued imposition of tariffs has been criticized as a failed economic policy that disproportionately harms American families.