Twenty-five US states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, seeking to block sweeping tariffs imposed on 60 trading partners, including India. The coalition argues that President Donald Trump exceeded his legal authority by using forced labour concerns as a pretext for the measures.
The states are asking a federal court to stop the duties and order refunds for importers who have already paid them. The tariffs were introduced over claims that the 60 countries have failed to adequately tackle forced labour, according to the lawsuit.
The legal action brings together a broad group of states, though the specific states involved were not named in the reports. The coalition contends that the president does not have the power to unilaterally impose such wide-ranging trade restrictions without congressional approval.
The case marks a significant challenge to the administration's trade policy, which has drawn criticism from both domestic and international actors. The court will now decide whether the tariffs can remain in place while the legal challenge proceeds. No timeline for a ruling has been announced.