Attorney General James Defeats Trump’s Tariffs, Again

May 7, 2026

NEW YORK - New York Attorney General Letitia James today released the following statement after the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled that President Trump's second attempt to impose sweeping tariffs - enacted after Attorney General James and 11 other states defeated the first tariff scheme at the Supreme Court - was unlawful:

"Once again, the courts have made clear that the president cannot unilaterally rewrite our trade laws to suit his political agenda. Limitless tariffs were unlawful the first time, and changing the label did not make them any less illegal the second time.

"New Yorkers are already paying too much for groceries, housing, energy, and everyday essentials. President Trump's reckless tariffs have driven prices even higher for families and businesses across our state.

"We will keep fighting to stop this administration from abusing its power and forcing working people to pay the price."

In March, Attorney General James led a coalition of 21 other attorneys general and the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania in suing to stop the latest attempt by the Trump administration to impose sweeping tariffs that result in increased taxes on states, businesses, and consumers.

Right after the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Attorney General James and 11 other attorneys general who sued to stop the president's illegal tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the president attempted to enact a new set of tariffs under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. Today, the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled that the president's proclamation establishing these tariffs was illegal.