Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined a coalition of attorneys general in filing a lawsuit to block President Trump’s latest round of tariffs. The legal action challenges the administration’s recent move to impose new tariffs globally without congressional approval.
“It is nothing new for the Trump administration to illegally defy or sidestep court orders at the expense of hardworking Americans,” said Attorney General Nessel. “This time, after the Supreme Court ruled against him, Donald Trump launched a new unlawful tariff policy that is expected to drain thousands of dollars a year from Michigan families. Congress, not the President, sets tariffs, and I will stand up for Michiganders against illegal policies wreaking havoc on working families’ budgets.”
Governor Gretchen Whitmer also addressed the issue: “Michigan has long felt the impacts of bad economic policies at the federal level. Now, tariffs have jacked up costs and cut jobs for families and businesses across our state. Last month’s Supreme Court decision ruling on tariffs was a step forward, but we still face rising costs and competition from China. I’m calling on Congress and the president to come to the table to negotiate a more commonsense, strategic trade policy that builds on the USMCA, creates jobs, and lowers costs. I’ll keep fighting to grow our economy, bring jobs home from overseas, and provide relief to families. Let’s work with our neighbors and allies to build a bright future.”
For over a year, President Trump imposed tariffs citing authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), claiming broad power over international trade measures. Two weeks ago, however, the Supreme Court found these actions exceeded presidential authority under IEEPA.
After this decision, President Trump turned to Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974—an unused provision—to announce 15 percent tariffs on most products worldwide in an effort he said would address trade deficits. Critics argue that Section 122 only allows such action under specific circumstances involving balance-of-payments deficits rather than trade deficits.
Economic studies indicate American households are paying an average of $1,700 more per year due to these tariffs. Research by economists at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York shows nearly 90 percent of tariff-related costs in 2025 were paid by U.S. consumers and businesses. In Michigan—a state heavily dependent on trade—tariffs have contributed directly to increased food prices (up 3.6 percent last year) and higher construction material costs (up 7 percent).
The lawsuit argues that these new tariff measures violate statutory limits as well as constitutional principles regarding separation of powers and administrative procedures.
The case—State of Oregon et al., v. Trump et al.—was filed in U.S. Court of International Trade with support from attorneys general representing multiple states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon (lead plaintiff), Rhode Island,Vermont,V irginia ,Washington,and Wisconsin; governors from Kentucky and Pennsylvania also joined.
Dana Nessel serves as Michigan’s 54th attorney general according to information available through the official website. The Michigan Department of Attorney General exercises statewide authority aimed at protecting residents throughout Michigan through various public service initiatives (source).
