President Donald Trump was handed a major legal victory on Monday after a U.S. District Court Judge tossed out a lawsuit filed by California officials concerning the president’s tariffs. The judge said the case should be heard in an out-of-state court that specializes in trade disputes.
The judge’s ruling is a partial agreement with the current administration, which made the argument that the case should be heard in the U.S. Court of International Trade instead of the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of California. The latter court is where Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta filed the lawsuit.
Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley felt the case should be heard at an out-of-state court; thus, though agreeing with Trump’s legal team in principle, she opted to toss out the case instead of granting their request. In taking this course of action, Corley has left open a path for the Golden State to appeal the ruling before the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which has historically leaned toward the left.
According to Politico, “Scott Corley’s decision is a blow to California officials who had hoped the district court would rule on the legality of Trump’s unilateral tariffs. Last week, a D.C. District Court judge went the opposite direction and invalidated Trump’s tariffs, ruling in favor of two toy-import companies. The trade court also struck down Trump’s tariffs last week, although his taxes on imports have largely been left in place while federal litigation plays out.”
The ruling from Corley was expected. The Politico article explained that the judge had formerly signaled that her court would probably not have jurisdiction in the case, pointing out that the trade court is the one with authority over cases concerning tariffs.
Back in April, California became the first state in the country to file a lawsuit against Trump for his tariffs. In it, they claim the president does not have the authority to unilaterally put taxes on imports using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
President Trump has issued tariffs without the approval of Congress by saying that trade deficits with other countries have placed our nation in a state of emergency, thus he has the power to create tariffs and enforce them.
The offices of Newsom and Bonta spoke to the media late on Monday and revealed they have already filed to appeal the ruling.
“We strongly believe this case belongs in federal district court and are pleased the court considered our wishes in dismissing this case so we have the opportunity to seek review,” Bonta’s statement read.
A spokesperson for Newsom, Tara Gallegos, stressed the case was dismissed on procedural grounds, pointing out the D.C. District Court came to a much different conclusion last week.
She explained, “Multiple courts have ruled against President Trump’s use of emergency powers to enact these unlawful tariffs.”
A number of Democratic leaders across America have been in full celebration mode after a pair of federal court rulings last week said the president was stepping over the line with this use of his executive powers.
