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A federal judge has dismissed California’s legal challenge to President Trump’s controversial tariffs, citing jurisdictional limits rather than the merits of the case.
On Monday, U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley ruled that her court in Northern California does not have the authority to weigh in on international trade matters — a blow to Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta, who filed the lawsuit earlier this year. The judge determined the dispute should instead be heard by the U.S. Court of International Trade, a specialized court based in New York.
California officials had argued Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day” tariffs were unconstitutional, claiming the president lacked legal grounds to impose them unilaterally under emergency powers. Trump has defended the tariffs, citing ongoing national security concerns tied to trade imbalances with countries like China and Mexico.
Rather than transfer the case, Judge Corley dismissed it altogether — a strategic win for California, which can now appeal the ruling directly to the liberal-leaning 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Still, the decision delays any attempt to overturn the tariffs in California and represents a procedural victory for Trump’s legal team.
“This is not a ruling on the substance of our argument,” said Bonta. “We still believe these tariffs violate the Constitution, and we’re taking our case to the 9th Circuit.”
The dismissal comes amid a wave of conflicting rulings across the country. Just last week, a Washington, D.C., judge struck down portions of the tariffs after toy importers filed suit, and the Court of International Trade also found Trump’s justification lacking. Despite the pushback, most of Trump’s tariffs remain in place pending appeals.
Newsom’s office echoed Bonta’s stance, emphasizing that the California ruling was based solely on procedural issues. “This isn’t over,” said spokesperson Tara Gallegos. “Other courts have already ruled against the president’s misuse of emergency powers.”
In a podcast appearance last week, Newsom mocked the tariff chaos with a quip: “It’s raining tacos today,” referencing a Wall Street acronym — T.A.C.O. — meaning “Trump Always Chickens Out.” The phrase has gained traction among investors frustrated by the unpredictable nature of the administration’s trade policies.
For now, California’s challenge is off the board — but far from finished.
