Trump Faces Seven Lawsuits Over Global Tariffs Citing 1977 Law; Congress Power, Hoover Brief, Florida Court Involved

President Donald Trump's broad imposition of global tariffs, justified by a 1977 law, is facing multiple legal challenges arguing that he has exceeded his authority. At least seven lawsuits have been filed by companies and states contesting the tariffs, claiming that the power to impose such trade measures lies solely with Congress. The legal disputes have attracted attention from former U.S. senators, retired federal judges, and legal experts, including Hoover Institution senior fellows who filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Court of International Trade opposing the tariffs. A Florida federal court is among the venues hearing arguments that Trump’s use of the 1977 statute to impose reciprocal tariffs without congressional approval is legally unfounded. Legal analysts have noted that a lesser-known court could potentially halt the tariffs. Meanwhile, prominent legal figures such as former U.S. attorneys Breon Peace and Erek Barron have transitioned to private law firms, and a former Biden administration undersecretary of commerce for industry and security has joined Covington & Burling LLP as a senior adviser, underscoring ongoing shifts in the legal and regulatory landscape amid the tariff controversy.