Kathmandu— Twenty-five US states filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump's administration on Monday, challenging new double-digit tariffs imposed on 59 countries and the European Union. The states argue that these tariffs are an attempt to circumvent Supreme Court rulings that struck down previous import taxes.

States' Legal Challenge

The coalition of states, led by New York Attorney General Letitia James and Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, contends that the new tariffs are illegal. 'After losing at the Supreme Court, the administration is once again trying to illegally raise taxes on families and businesses with a new round of tariffs,' said James.

The lawsuit argues that there is no rational connection between the issue of forced labor in international supply chains and the imposition of blanket global tariffs. The coalition includes both Democratic-led states such as California and Connecticut, along with Republican-led states like Nevada and Vermont.

White House Defends Tariffs

In response to the legal challenge, the White House maintains that the tariffs are within its legal authority. 'The United States is using its lawful authority to obtain the elimination of unreasonable acts, policies, and practices that burden US commerce,' said White House spokesman Kush Desai.

The administration argues that foreign countries' failure to enforce prohibitions on goods produced with forced labor burdens American workers and must be addressed through tariffs.

(With inputs from DW)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.