On April 23, 2025, a coalition of 12 states—Oregon, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York and Vermont—filed suit in the U.S. Court of International Trade to block President Trump’s new tariffs. They argue these “Liberation Day” levies aren’t just heavy-handed, they’re unconstitutional under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which only allows emergency action for genuine foreign threats—not sweeping economic policy AP NewsPolitico.

Who’s Leading the Charge?

  • New York AG Letitia James & Gov. Kathy Hochul Politico
  • Arizona AG Kris Mayes (“insane and economically reckless!”) AP News
  • Connecticut AG William Tong (“massive tax on families & businesses”) AP News
  • Minnesota AG Keith Ellison, Oregon AG Dan Rayfield, and others

Together, these Democratic attorneys general say the President went rogue—imposing over 10% tariffs on most goods, 25% on Canada/Mexico imports, and 145% on many Chinese products—without a vote in Congress PoliticoAxios.

Why Tariffs Hurt You

  1. Grocery Bills Go Up
    Tariffs are a hidden sales tax on everything from cereal to canned tuna. Families could pay an extra $200–$350 per year just on food Axios.
  2. First‐Time Homebuyers Face Sticker Shock
    Building a house means buying steel, lumber and appliances—now 10–25% more expensive. That down payment you’re scraping together looks a lot smaller when materials cost more Politico.
  3. Small Businesses Get Squeezed
    Mom-and-pop shops that import parts must raise prices or absorb the hit—often shrinking profit margins so small they’ll question if staying open is worth it Axios.
  4. College Tech Budgets Bleed
    Students relying on imported laptops and lab equipment see costs balloon. Imagine budgeting $1,000 for a new computer—and suddenly it’s $1,100+.
  5. Young Entrepreneurs’ Dreams Stall
    If you’re starting a side hustle or launching an online store in 2025–26, every tariff‐inflated shipping container is a speed bump on your path to success.

A Forward-Thinking View

Tariffs aren’t a solution—they’re a roadblock to innovation and stability. By centralizing power in the White House instead of Congress, they weaken the checks & balances our Founders set up. The good news? This lawsuit could set a precedent that only Congress can vote on major taxes—restoring a healthier trade debate for decades to come.

What Can You Do?

  1. Contact Your Representatives
  2. Use This Script Subject: Please Oppose Unauthorized TariffsDear [Rep/Senator Name],
    I’m concerned that President Trump’s recent tariffs act as a hidden tax on families, students, and small businesses. These measures bypass Congress’s constitutional role in setting taxes. Please support legislation to block these tariffs and restore proper oversight.
    Thank you,
    [Your Name], [Your City, State]
  3. Or this one (or Make It Your Own!): Subject: Oppose President Trump’s Unauthorized Tariffs Dear [Rep/Senator Name],
    I am writing to express my concern regarding the recent tariffs imposed by President Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. These tariffs effectively function as taxes on American families, raising costs on groceries, appliances, and home-building materials. I urge you to support legislation that restores tariff authority to Congress and blocks any enforcement of these measures. Thank you for representing my interests.
    Sincerely,
    [Your Name], [Your City, State]
  4. Spread the Word
    • Share your rising cost stories on social media with #StopTheTariffs & #ProtectOurWallets
    • Tag your reps—public pressure works!
    • Encourage friends and classmates to call, email, or tweet.
  5. Stay Informed
    • Follow your state AG’s updates on Twitter or their official website
    • Bookmark reliable news sources like AP News, Politico & Axios

Here are some other examples you can use or edit as you see fit.

For Older Americans

Subject: Protect Our Retirement Budgets—Stop Hidden Tariffs

Dear Representative [Name],

I’m a retired [former profession, e.g., teacher] living on a fixed income in [City, State]. President Trump’s new tariffs act like a stealth sales tax on everyday essentials—groceries, prescription supplies, even new hearing-aid batteries. As someone who budgets every dollar, I’m alarmed these measures will force seniors like me to choose between medicine and meals.

I urge you to support legislation that restores Congress’s sole power to impose taxes and blocks these unilateral tariffs. Please defend our retirement security and keep costs manageable for those of us on limited incomes.

Thank you for your service,

[Your Name]
[City, State]

For Single Parents

Subject: Please Help Families Overcome Hidden Tariffs

Dear [Representative/Senator Name],

I’m a single parent juggling rent, groceries, and childcare on a tight budget. President Trump’s new tariffs act like a stealth tax—driving up the cost of food, clothing, and school supplies at exactly the wrong time. Every dollar my kids and I spend on essentials is getting stretched thinner, making it harder to save for emergencies or educational expenses.

Please support legislation that blocks these unauthorized tariffs and returns trade-and-tax power where it belongs—with Congress. Let’s stop hidden taxes from hurting families like mine.

Thank you for standing up for single parents and working households.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[City, State]

For Republicans

Subject: Defend Free Markets & Constitutional Checks—End Unilateral Tariffs

Dear Representative [Name],

As a fiscally conservative constituent in [City, State], I believe in limited government, free trade, and strict separation of powers. President Trump’s latest tariffs—imposed without Congressional approval—violate Article I’s tax authority and threaten to inflate prices on steel, electronics, and everyday goods. This heavy‐handed approach burdens families and small businesses.

I respectfully request you back measures to repeal or block these tariffs and reaffirm that only Congress may levy taxes. Standing up for constitutional guardrails and lower consumer prices is the conservative principle we need now.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[City, State]

For the Hispanic Community

Subject: Protejamos Nuestras Familias: ¡Basta de Impuestos Ocultos!

Body:
Estimado/a [Nombre del Representante/Senador],

Soy [Your Name], orgullosamente parte de la comunidad hispana en [Ciudad, Estado]. Como muchos de nosotros, compro en el mercado local para alimentar a mi familia—pero estos nuevos aranceles impuestos por el Presidente Trump son básicamente un impuesto oculto que encarece tortillas, arroz, aceite y todo lo que compramos cada semana.

• Afecta el presupuesto familiar: Un aumento de 10–25 % en productos básicos significa menos dinero para la educación de nuestros hijos y para ahorrar en emergencias.
• Golpea a las pequeñas tiendas de barrio: Los comerciantes latinos importan artículos que ahora tienen un costo extra, y nos lo pasan a nosotros.
• Debilita el sueño americano: Muchos de nosotros venimos buscando un futuro mejor; con estos precios, ese sueño se aleja.

Le pido que apoye legislación para bloquear estos aranceles y devolver al Congreso la autoridad de imponer impuestos. Protejamos juntos el bienestar de nuestras familias y nuestras raíces.

Gracias por su atención y por representar a nuestra comunidad.

Atentamente,
[Your Name]
[Ciudad, Estado]

For the Asian American Community

Subject: Stand Up for Our Future: Stop Hidden Tariffs
Hello [Representative/Senator Name],

I’m [Your Name], part of the Asian American community in [City, State]. Whether it’s tech gadgets from Seoul or specialty ingredients for our family recipes, tariffs are making everything up to 25 % more expensive—hitting students, startups, and multigenerational households alike.

• Students & STEM: My niece is studying computer science; her laptop budget just jumped from $1,000 to $1,100.
• Cultural Businesses: Local Asian-owned cafés and shops rely on imported teas, spices, and equipment now saddled with extra fees.
• Entrepreneurs & Innovation: Tariffs on electronics parts slow down hardware makers and robotics clubs at our community center.

These measures bypass Congress’s role in taxation and act like a stealth tax on the American Dream. Please support a bill to block these tariffs and restore constitutional checks & balances.

Thank you for standing with Asian American families and innovators.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[City, State]

For Gen Z

Subject: Future at Stake: Say No to Hidden Tariffs

Hey [Representative/Senator Name],

I’m part of Gen Z, and I care about affordability, equity, and our planet. President Trump’s broad tariffs feel like a hidden tax that prices out young people trying to buy groceries, tech for school, or materials to launch side-hustles. This policy stifles innovation and burdens those of us building our careers and communities.

Please vote to block these tariffs and ensure decisions on taxes stay in Congress—where diverse voices belong. We’re counting on you to protect our wallets and our future.

Thanks for listening and taking action for the next generation!

Cheers,
[Your Name]
[City, State]

For Gen Z & the Working Class

Subject: Tariffs Are a Tax on Our Future—Tell Congress to Stop Them

Hey [Representative Name],

I’m part of Gen Z working two jobs and saving for a first apartment in [City, State]. These new tariffs aren’t paid by China—they’re passed on to me in the form of pricier laptops, groceries, and building materials for starter homes. As someone trying to launch a side hustle and pay off student loans, every extra dollar counts.

Please support legislation to strip the President of unilateral tariff power and put decisions back in Congress’s hands. Lowering costs on tech, food, and materials will give young Americans the fair shot we deserve.

Thanks for listening,

[Your Name]
[City, State]

For the Working Class

Subject: End “Hidden Taxes” on Everyday Workers

Dear [Representative/Senator Name],

As a [factory worker/retail associate/tradesperson], my paycheck goes toward rent, utilities, and feeding my family. President Trump’s sweeping tariffs are driving up prices on steel, machinery, and even basic groceries—hitting working-class budgets the hardest. When employers pay more for parts or ingredients, we see it in lower starting wages or extra shifts just to make ends meet.

I urge you to support legislation that stops these tariffs and puts Congress back in charge of taxation. Protect our paychecks and keep costs down for hardworking Americans.

Thank you for standing with the working class.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[City, State]

For Small Business Owners & Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Subject: Protect Main Street & Startups—End Stealth Taxes

Dear [Representative/Senator Name],

I’m [Your Name], owner of [Business Name] in [City, State], and I’m planning to launch a new product line in 2025. President Trump’s broad tariffs—10–25 % on imported tools, packaging, and raw materials—are squeezing my margins before I even open.

• Supply Costs Soar: My cost for steel, electronics parts, and packaging has spiked, making my pro forma budgets obsolete.
• Higher Prices for Customers: To stay afloat, I’d have to raise prices, risking my competitive edge.
• Startup Dreams Delayed: These hidden taxes slow down small-batch production and cash-flow.

I urge you to back legislation blocking these tariffs and reassert Congress’s exclusive right to tax. Let’s keep Main Street thriving and innovation alive for the next generation of American entrepreneurs.

Thank you for championing small business and economic freedom.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Business Name], [City, State]

For Gen Alpha

(Could be used for a youth group or parent + child to send together)

Subject: Kids & Families Need Fair Prices—Stop These Tariffs!

Dear [Representative/Senator Name],

I’m [Child’s Name], and I’m [10] years old. My mom/dad and I noticed our groceries and my gaming console are costing more because of President Trump’s new tariffs. It feels unfair that decisions about our money can be made without a vote in Congress.

Please help by supporting a law to block these tariffs and make sure Congress—where everyone is represented—gets to decide on taxes. That way, families and kids like me can afford food, toys, and start saving for college or a small business idea.

Thank you for making prices fair and protecting kids’ futures!

Warmly,
[Child’s Name] & [Parent’s Name]
[City, State]

You can customize each script with a personal sentence or two—your own cost increases, neighborhood impact, your families experience or small-business story—to make it even more persuasive.

  • Attach or embed a photo —visuals boost impact.
  • Use your rep’s online form or email address.
  • Invite your rep to a town hall or smaller group to see what can be done.
  • Follow up with a social media post, or TikTok post tagging them and #StopTheTariffs.

Then send via email or your rep’s online contact form. Your voice makes a difference—let elected officials know these hidden taxes hurt real people! Let’s get to work!

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