Governor Hochul calling on President Trump to refund $13.5 billion in tariff payments to New Yorkers

ALBANY, NY- Governor Kathy Hochul is calling on President Trump’s Administration to refund the estimated $13.5 billion in tariff payments for New Yorkers, following the recent Supreme Court decision overturning some of the latest Trump tariffs.

For context, the Supreme Court struck down only one avenue for the President and his administration to impose tariffs, which was under the 1977 International Emergency Powers Act, which no President has ever previously used to implement tariffs, according to numerous sources.

However, the President has several different methods to implement tariffs and almost immediately following the Supreme Court ruling, Trump’s administration invoked section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which empowers the President to address certain fundamental international payment problems through surcharges and other special import restrictions.

"By taking this action, the United States can stem the outflow of its dollars to foreign producers and incentivize the return of domestic production," a statement reads from the White House.gov website.

"By increasing its domestic production, the United States can correct its balance-of-payments deficit, while also creating good paying jobs, and lowering costs for consumers."

On the other hand, Governor Hochul continues her stance against President Trump and his tariff policies. “These senseless and illegal tariffs were just a tax on New York consumers, small businesses and farmers — and that’s why I’m demanding a full refund,” she said.

“I’ll never stop fighting for New Yorkers, and that means staying focused on putting more money back in your pockets — not ripping it away.”

In last year's budget, Governor Hochul and the legislature included a round of inflation refund checks, which were distributed to millions of New Yorkers who qualified, but the move was heavily criticized by Republican figures, including here in the North Country.  

During his State of the Union Address this week, President Trump staunchly defended his administrational policies, including tariffs and immigration crackdowns.  

New York State Capitol image.