California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared that the state will file a lawsuit against United States President Donald Trump over tariffs imposed on imports. In a statement released Wednesday, Newsom asserted that the tariffs were enacted without congressional approval and are causing widespread economic harm throughout California.

“President Trump’s unlawful tariffs are wreaking chaos on California families, businesses, and our economy – driving up prices and threatening jobs,” Newsom said. “We’re standing up for American families who can’t afford to let the chaos continue.”

The lawsuit will argue that the president overstepped his authority by bypassing Congress, which holds the constitutional power to regulate trade. The state of California is seeking judicial intervention to block the tariffs and prevent further economic disruption.

According to Newsom’s office, the tariffs have significantly impacted industries reliant on imported goods, leading to increased costs for consumers and uncertainty for business owners. The legal challenge marks a high-profile escalation in tensions between California’s state government and the Trump administration, which have previously clashed over environmental policy, immigration enforcement, and pandemic response.

While the Trump administration defends the tariffs as necessary for protecting national interests and encouraging fair trade, critics argue that the unilateral approach has triggered inflationary pressures and hurt local economies. Newsom’s legal team is expected to file the lawsuit in federal court within the week.

The outcome of the case could set a major precedent regarding the limits of executive authority in trade matters, particularly at a time when tariffs are being used as strategic tools in broader economic and diplomatic negotiations.