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Or sign-in if you have an account.Several states allege that tariff investigations carried out by US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer's office were prejudged and pretextual. Photo by Aaron Schwartz /AFPTwenty-five U.S. states, nearly all led by Democrats, sued Donald Trump’s administration on Monday over wide-ranging tariffs, arguing that the president had exceeded his authority in imposing the new levies on dozens of countries.Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.Unlimited online access to National Post.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.Unlimited online access to National Post.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorThe states filed suit at the U.S. Court of International Trade in New York, asking that judges halt the implementation of the tariffs, declare them unlawful and order the government to issue refunds.“There is no rational fit between the purported problem of forced labour in international supply chains and the blanket global tariffs the USTR imposed,” the coalition of states argued in a court filing, referring to the U.S. Trade Representative’s office.Get a dash of perspective along with the trending news of the day in a very readable format.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of NP Posted will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againThe challenge is related to Trump’s latest salvo of tariffs of between 10 and 12.5 percent imposed against 60 trading partners — forming the bulk of U.S. imports — last month.The tariffs were imposed after probes by the USTR’s office over allegations of “forced labour,” conducted under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.Since taking office for his second term, Trump has upended global trade by imposing wide-ranging tariffs — at sometimes eye-watering levels — against Washington’s friends and foes alike. U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the press aboard Air Force One on Sunday. Photo by AARON SCHWARTZ /AFP via Getty ImagesTrump has argued that U.S. trading partners have been taking advantage of the world’s largest economy, and has sought to use tariffs as leverage to strike new trade deals.On Monday, the White House hit back at the latest challenge to Trump’s tariffs, arguing the government move was legal.“The United States is using its lawful authority to obtain the elimination of unreasonable acts, policies, and practices that burden U.S. commerce,” said Kush Desai, a White House spokesperson, in a statement.“Section 301 tariffs have proven to be a legally durable tool since the President’s first term, and they remain so now.”Earlier challengesTrump’s first round of tariffs, imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in February.He replaced those with a 10-percent global levy, which expired in July.The new Section 301 tariffs replaced that levy, taking effect as the 10-percent tariff expired on July 24.Of the 25 states in the suit, 23 have Democratic governors while two — Nevada and Vermont — are led by Republicans.In their court filing, the states argued that the Section 301 probes were “a pretextual and unlawful effort to exert unfettered tariff power.”The document lays out a timeline of Trump administration officials’ statements, arguing that the investigations were rushed and prejudged when they were initiated.“The Tariff Action is arbitrary, capricious, and contrary to law,” the complaint says.“The Plaintiff States oppose forced labour in all its forms and support protections for workers around the globe. But the Administration cannot use forced labour as a pretext to continue its illegal tariff scheme.”Trump’s separate sector-specific tariffs — imposed under different legal authorities on steel, automobiles and other goods — have been unaffected by recent legal challenges.Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark nationalpost.com and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here. Join the Conversation This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.