Oregon’s Lawsuit Challenges Trump’s Authority to Impose Tariffs Without Congressional Approval

A joint motion by the attorneys general of 12 states is being argued in the U.S. Court of International Trade in New York City.

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield presented Oregon’s Tariff Lawsuit in the motion for a preliminary injunction to stop President Donald Trump’s ‘illegal tariffs’ yesterday.

Oregon’s Legal Challenge To Trump Tariffs

As part of a 12-state coalition fighting against the implementation of “illegal” tariffs—which could add $3,800 to household bills per year—the Oregon Department of Justice argued that President Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not empower the President to impose tariffs.

Rayfield likened the challenge to the Boston Tea Party, which was also a revolt against tariffs imposed without representation- but by parliament.

In the case of the 2025 tariffs, Trump has acted without Congress, public input, or restraint and claims the courts can’t review his decisions. Rayfield reflected on the similarities between the Trump tariffs challenge and the Boston Tea Party: “Unchecked Power, same problem. Different Harbor.”

Rayfield said, “We’re optimistic the court will recognize that the President cannot tax the American people without their representatives in Congress having a say.”