Salem, Oregon – Filing a motion for a preliminary injunction in the U.S. Court of International Trade, Attorney General Dan Rayfield has targeted what he deems the Trump administration’s illegal tariff campaign. Rayfield, accompanied by attorneys general from eleven other states, is requesting the court to stop implementation of four executive orders imposing broad responsibilities without congressional consent.
The disputed duties cover a breathtaking 145 percent tax on most Chinese goods, 25 percent on imports from Canada and Mexico, and 10 percent on items from the rest of the world. Rayfield’s proposal also aims to stop a scheduled July 9 rise in taxes on imports from 56 more trading partners.
“These tariffs are doing real damage to Oregonians and our small businesses. Families cannot be expected to pay more at the store at a time when they’re already struggling to afford the basics.” Rayfield said. “The President can’t just slap on tariffs that hurt working people without following the law. I don’t know many families who can afford an extra $3800 a year.”
Small businesses say those fears are already coming true. Todd Nelson, co-owner of Bountiful Farms in Woodburn, described the ripple effect of the Canadian tariffs on his nursery.
“Many Canadian nurseries now have ‘Buy Canadian First’ initiatives, and just in the last few months, I’ve had several long-standing orders canceled. It’s not just disappointing – it’s heartbreaking,” Nelson said.
State entities are bracing for similar setbacks. Many now confront significant budget overruns since Oregon institutions and agencies prepared their budgets prior to these duties went into effect. Economic studies included with the motion indicate the 12 states concerned will spend at least $3.4 billion extra in a year due to the tariffs. Cited in the lawsuit is a Federal Reserve study showing that most companies anticipate passing on increased input costs to consumers, hence stressing households already stretched thin.
A constitutional question lies at the core of the case. The exclusive authority to “lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises” is vested in Congress under Article I of the U.S. Constitution. The Trump administration justified the measures by using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977—intended for genuine crises—marking the first time a president had utilized that law to impose tariffs. Rayfield’s team contends that IEEPA does not give power to increase taxes or levies and that ignoring Congress compromises the constitutional division of powers.
Read also: Oregon, coalition of states say White House cannot erase public service program without Congress
A three-judge panel of the Court of International Trade will hear the case State of Oregon, et al. v. Trump, et al. (No. 1:25-cv-00077). Apart from Oregon, plaintiffs are from Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York and Vermont. These states want to maintain their budgets and protect their citizens from what they consider an overreach of executive power through a move for a preliminary injunction.
