A coalition of 24 states, led by Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, has initiated legal action against President Donald J. Trump, seeking to block the implementation of new tariffs on products purchased by American consumers and businesses. The motion was filed in the case of Oregon et al. v. Donald J. Trump et al. on April 9, 2026, and requests a summary judgment or preliminary injunction on the grounds that the president lacks the authority to impose such tariffs.
The legal challenge arises amid concerns that the tariffs, which are set at 10% on most products worldwide, will significantly impact American families. Attorney General Rayfield emphasized that these tariffs are leading to increased prices for essential goods. “Oregon families are paying more for groceries and other basic items because of these tariffs, and they shouldn’t be,” he stated.
Details of the Legal Challenge
The coalition argues that the tariffs violate the provisions of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which the president has previously invoked unlawfully. The states contend that Trump is now relying on a seldom-used provision, Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, to justify these tariffs. This section permits tariff imposition only in cases of “large and serious balance-of-payment deficits,” a condition the states assert does not currently exist.
Economic analysis included in the lawsuit estimates that the tariffs will impose additional costs of at least $748 million annually across the 24 states involved. Data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York corroborates these concerns, revealing that nearly 90% of the tariff burden from the previous year has been borne by American consumers and businesses.
The plaintiffs are urging the three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of International Trade to halt the collection of these tariffs. A hearing is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. EDT on April 10, 2026, in New York City.
Impact on Oregon’s Trade Balance
The legal action coincides with a troubling shift in Oregon’s trade balance. Recent federal data indicates that the state has transitioned from a $5.7 billion trade surplus in 2024 to an estimated $2.7 billion deficit in 2025. This marks the first annual goods deficit for Oregon since at least 2008.
The state’s exports have taken a substantial hit, with exports to Canada down 33% and exports to Mexico down 26%. Overall, Oregon’s total exports fell by 17.3%, while imports increased by 9%. This dramatic change has been linked to the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, which have raised costs and altered trade dynamics significantly.
In summary, the coalition of states led by Oregon is asserting that President Trump’s tariffs are not only unlawful but are also causing tangible economic harm to families and businesses across the country. The outcome of this legal challenge could have far-reaching implications for U.S. trade policy and economic stability.
