California Becomes 1st State to Sue Trump Administration to Block Tariffs

Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta said the lawsuit challenges Trump’s authority to impose tariffs without congressional approval.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (R) speaks as California Attorney general Rob Bonta looks on during a news conference at Gemperle Orchard in Ceres, Calif., on April 16, 2025. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a lawsuit on April 16 targeting President Donald Trump’s tariffs, making California the first state to challenge the constitutionality of the president’s trade policies.

Newsom made the announcement at a joint news conference with state Attorney General Rob Bonta in Stanislaus County in the Central Valley.