California Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed an amicus brief in the case Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, which challenges tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The brief, submitted to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, argues that the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia was correct in its decision that IEEPA does not grant authority to impose tariffs and that such actions by the Trump Administration were unlawful.
Attorney General Bonta stated: “As the country braces for continuous chaos from President Trump’s illegal tariffs, standing united to fight for American consumers and businesses is more important than ever. Today, I urge the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to affirm the District Court’s decision that President Trump’s chaotic tariffs are unlawful — not one word in the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the Trump Administration’s vehicle for these tariffs, authorizes tariffs. These illegal tariffs will affect everything from the cost of essential household items like food and toilet paper to the cost of housing. The tariff chaos is a man-made crisis, and California families and industries will pay the price.”
The case centers on two family-owned educational-toy companies challenging these tariffs under IEEPA. In May, a federal district court denied a request by the Trump Administration to transfer jurisdiction to another court and found that IEEPA did not authorize such tariffs. The court granted an injunction against their enforcement.
Attorney General Bonta has emphasized ongoing efforts to challenge what he calls illegal tariffs affecting jobs and businesses in California. He has conducted roundtables with industry representatives in San Francisco and Los Angeles to discuss how these trade measures impact local economies.
In April, Attorney General Bonta and Governor Gavin Newsom filed a lawsuit contesting Trump’s use of IEEPA for imposing tariffs without congressional approval. The state sought a preliminary injunction in May while also participating as amicus in similar litigation elsewhere. After legal maneuvering regarding which court should hear California’s own challenge, a judge allowed California’s case to remain within state jurisdiction so it could be appealed further.
A copy of Attorney General Bonta’s amicus brief is available online.
