US lawmakers seek to overturn Trump’s tariffs on India, calling them a 'tax on Americans'

Three members of the US House of Representatives have launched a legislative bid to overturn President Donald Trump’s controversial tariff regime on India, arguing the duties amount to a direct tax on American citizens while damaging strategic ties.

The resolution, introduced on Friday by Democrats Deborah Ross, Marc Veasey, and Raja Krishnamoorthi, challenges the national emergency declaration that enabled the administration to raise duties to as high as 50 per cent. The move specifically targets the additional 25 per cent secondary tariffs imposed on 27 August 2025, which were layered atop earlier reciprocal duties under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

The lawmakers contend that the tariffs are illegal and counterproductive, disproportionately hitting US consumers. "India is an important cultural, economic, and strategic partner, and these illegal tariffs are a tax on everyday North Texans who are already struggling with rising costs," said Mr Veasey, describing the levies as a direct burden on households.

Representative Ross warned that the measures threaten vital economic partnerships, noting that her home state of North Carolina benefits from billions of dollars in investment linked to Indian companies. Mr Krishnamoorthi echoed these concerns, stating: "Instead of advancing American interests or security, these duties disrupt supply chains, harm American workers, and drive up costs for consumers."

This House resolution aligns with a broader push by congressional Democrats to reclaim authority over trade policy and curb the President's use of emergency powers. President Trump initially imposed a 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods on 1 August before doubling the rate shortly after. The administration justified the trade barriers by citing India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, arguing that such trade helps finance Moscow's war in Ukraine.