They are suing Trump.
A group of five small businesses filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump on Monday, aiming to prevent the recently imposed tariffs on foreign imports. The case, brought before the U.S. Court of International Trade, argues that Trump has overstepped his authority by using trade deficits as an emergency justification for the tariffs, thereby bypassing Congress’ constitutional power to regulate tariffs.
The plaintiffs contend that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which the president has invoked, does not grant the authority to impose blanket tariffs on a global scale. The lawsuit claims that trade deficits, which have been a longstanding issue, do not meet the criteria of an “emergency” or “extraordinary threat,” as suggested by the administration.
Represented by the Liberty Justice Center, the businesses argue that the new tariffs, ranging from 10% to much higher rates for certain countries, are severely harming small enterprises across the nation. The lawsuit further points out that tariffs were imposed even on countries with which the U.S. has no trade deficit, weakening the president’s rationale for the measures.
The plaintiffs seek a court order to halt the implementation of these tariffs and to reaffirm the principle of “no taxation without representation.” The businesses involved in the lawsuit include VOS Selections, an importer of small-batch wines and spirits; FishUSA, an e-commerce business for sportfishing equipment; and Genova Pipe, a manufacturer of plastic pipes and fittings. Additionally, MicroKits LLC, which produces educational kits and musical instruments, and Terry Precision Cycling, a Vermont-based women’s cycling apparel company, are part of the suit.
Terry Precision Cycling has already faced significant financial strain, paying $25,000 in unexpected tariffs this year, with projected costs rising to $250,000 by the end of 2025. By 2026, the company estimates it could face up to $1.2 million in tariff-related expenses, which they argue would be unsustainable for a business of its size.
