California Attorney General sues Trump Administration over tariffs, local impacts

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) -- California Attorney General announced another lawsuit against the Trump administration. They argue Trump’s tariffs should be declared void. Locals are reacting to the anticipated effects these tariffs can have. Some like Sandra Santos, say it's hard to even afford groceries.

Rob Bonta, California’s Attorney General, announced this morning-- what he says is--the fourteenth time the Golden State is suing the trump administration in the last two weeks.

“We're asking the court to rein in the president, restore to our economy, and uphold the constitution,” says Bonta.

Newsom’s office argues that Trump does not have the power to unilaterally invoke tariffs on foreign countries without the consent of Congress. 

“The manufacturing footprint in this state is disproportionately impacted by the tariffs,” says Newsom. “Of course, we talk about the fifth largest economy in the world. let's put that in perspective. we're 14 percent of the u.s. gdp. that is 50 percent higher next state.” 

Some locals are already seeing the impacts in their wallets. “Prices are high, but wages remain low,” says Guadalupe Olvera. She adds that she has had to search for discounts at local grocery stores. 

The Monterey County Republican Party responded with a statement, saying, “while there might be a slight rise in input prices for manufacturers in our area, our produce would be more competitive worldwide.”

“I just think prices should go down. because i think people who can't afford high prices should be allowed to buy all that stuff,” says Halen Saldana.

Still Saldana says we must wait for time to tell if Trump's methods turn out effective.

“I think they should just let him try what he's doing. and if people don't like it, they can always just say, hey, we don't want what you're doing.”