California’s political heavyweight, Governor Gavin Newsom, isn’t playing nice with President Trump’s latest economic drama.

In a bold legal move that’s giving serious “don’t mess with California” energy, Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta have filed a lawsuit challenging Trump’s unilateral tariff powers. The Golden State is arguing that Trump’s sweeping import taxes are not just economically reckless, but potentially unconstitutional.

Economic Warfare at the State Level

The stakes are high for California, which considers China its largest trading partner. Trump’s erratic trade policies could tank California’s budget, which heavily relies on capital gains income from its wealthiest residents. Newsom didn’t mince words, calling the tariffs the “poster child for stupidity” and a prime example of “crony capitalism”.

A Legal Showdown Brewing

This lawsuit marks the fifteenth legal challenge California has launched against the Trump administration. The state contends that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act doesn’t explicitly authorize such broad tariff implementation, effectively arguing that Trump is overstepping his constitutional boundaries.

California’s Strategic Pivot

Undeterred by potential economic turbulence, Newsom is already pivoting. The state has begun pursuing independent “strategic partnerships” and even launched a new tourism campaign targeting international markets like Canada. It’s a clear signal that California won’t be passive in the face of federal economic disruption.

As the legal battle unfolds, one thing’s certain: Newsom is ready to throw down and protect California’s economic interests, tariffs be damned.