Attorney General Jennifer Davenport has joined a coalition of attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration, seeking to block recently announced tariffs. The suit challenges President Trump’s use of Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to impose 15% tariffs on most products worldwide, following a Supreme Court decision that rejected his previous reliance on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) for similar actions.
President Trump’s new tariffs were introduced as an attempt to address trade deficits. However, critics argue that Section 122 does not authorize such broad measures. According to the complaint, this law allows tariffs only in limited circumstances, such as when there are “large and serious balance-of-payments deficits.” The plaintiffs contend that a trade deficit is not equivalent to a balance-of-payments deficit and therefore does not justify these tariffs.
Governor Mikie Sherrill commented on the situation: “Like the rest of our country, New Jersey is in the midst of an affordability crisis. Yet instead of finding ways to lower the costs of groceries or utilities, President Trump is back to levying unlawful tariffs – again,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill. “We cannot depend on the Trump Administration to fight for working families, but I will.”
Attorney General Davenport added: “Tariffs raise prices for hard-working families and businesses across New Jersey,” said Attorney General Davenport. “I will keep fighting against the imposition of unnecessary and illegal costs on our consumers. We’re going to court to protect our state from these illogical and illegal tariffs.”
Research by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York found that nearly 90% of tariff costs in 2025 were borne by American consumers and businesses. The complaint argues that another round of price increases would further burden Americans.
The lawsuit also claims that these actions violate statutory limits, disrupt constitutional separation of powers, and breach requirements under the Administrative Procedure Act.
New Jersey officials have noted that these tariffs could increase costs for goods purchased by both residents and state agencies by up to 45%, affecting items ranging from trucks to uniforms.
The case was filed under State of Oregon, et al., v. Trump, et al., in the U.S. Court of International Trade. Other states joining New Jersey include Oregon, Arizona, California, New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.
According to information from the official website, the New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin oversees statewide enforcement efforts aimed at protecting residents’ lives and property while upholding legal standards across all counties and municipalities in New Jersey. The office also provides legal representation for state agencies; offers oversight over law enforcement; supports crime labs; advocates for victims; regulates public safety matters; and leads consumer protection initiatives throughout New Jersey.[source]
