Governor Newsom Submits Amicus Brief Urging Supreme Court to Overturn Trump Tariffs
SACRAMENTO, November 5, 2025 (CALIFORNIA NEWS TODAY) — California Governor Gavin Newsom has urged the U.S. Supreme Court to reject former President Donald Trump’s use of emergency powers to impose tariffs, arguing the action exceeded presidential authority under federal law. According to the Office of the Governor, Newsom submitted an amicus brief earlier this month in support of overturning the tariffs as the Court hears oral arguments in Learning Resources v. Trump and Trump v. V.O.S. Selections.
The tariffs, which range from 10% to 145% on imports from nearly all U.S. trading partners, were implemented under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The law allows the President to address national emergencies involving foreign threats, but does not explicitly authorize tariff measures. Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a separate lawsuit in April challenging the tariffs, which is currently paused pending the Supreme Court’s ruling in the case.
In his brief, Newsom stated that the President “cannot tariff by fiat” and that the use of emergency powers for trade actions undermines the constitutional separation of powers. The filing argues that tariff authority rests with Congress and that the President’s actions “are of such vast significance that the President cannot undertake them without clear authorization from Congress.”
“Donald Trump’s economy is a failure and demonstrates his commitment to grift and greed more than the well-being of the American people. As he sends billions to Argentina and hosts opulent parties, our families are suffering. Trump administration associates are lining their own pockets, playing a sick game by profiting from the uncertainty and pain of American citizens. It is beyond illegal, and we urge the Supreme Court to stand up for the rule of law and the constitutional separation of powers they are sworn to uphold,” said Newsom.
The Governor’s office stated that California’s economy, the largest in the nation, stands to lose an estimated $25 billion and more than 64,000 jobs as a result of the tariffs. The filing maintains that the tariffs have generated uncertainty for farmers, families, and businesses across the state and disrupted international trade.
For more information, visit www.gov.ca.gov.
Source: Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
