Gavin Newsom Loses Lawsuit Against Trump — Judge Delivers Major Win for Presidential Tariff Power
California Governor Gavin Newsom has suffered a major legal setback after a federal judge dismissed his lawsuit against former President Donald Trump over the imposition of sweeping tariffs. The case, which challenged the legality of Trump’s use of presidential authority to implement tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), has been seen as a key test of executive power in the realm of trade policy.
Newsom, along with California Attorney General Rob Bonta, filed the lawsuit in an effort to block what they described as overreach by the former president. They argued that Trump’s tariffs, imposed during his term and recently reemphasized in his policy proposals, hurt California’s economy, disrupted supply chains, and placed undue burdens on consumers and businesses. The suit contended that the imposition of such tariffs should fall under congressional authority, not unilateral executive action.
However, U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case. She stated that challenges to federal tariff policy must be heard in the U.S. Court of International Trade, not in the district courts. While the judge did not weigh in on the merits of Newsom’s claims, the ruling effectively halted the lawsuit’s progress—at least temporarily.
Though the ruling was procedural, the political implications are significant. Trump’s use of IEEPA to levy tariffs—without prior approval from Congress—has now withstood a major challenge. Supporters of the former president hailed the dismissal as a win for strong executive leadership, while critics warned it sets a dangerous precedent for unchecked presidential authority.
Legal analysts say Newsom’s team is likely to refile the suit in the appropriate court, which could reignite the legal debate over presidential powers in trade. Until then, however, the tariffs remain in place, and Trump’s interpretation of executive authority remains unchallenged in court.
The lawsuit, and its dismissal, highlights a broader constitutional debate over the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches. As trade becomes an increasingly politicized issue, the courts may soon be forced to decide whether emergency powers can continue to justify sweeping economic actions—or whether Congress needs to reassert its authority over trade policy.
For now, the judge’s decision marks a win for Trump and a blow to Newsom, who has positioned himself as a national counterweight to Trump’s influence. While the legal fight is far from over, this round goes decisively to the former president, reinforcing the expansive reach of the Oval Office when it comes to matters of international commerce.
