Charles EstherSeveral tabletop game companies have filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump, arguing that his tariffs are severely hurting their businesses.
The companies claim that the tariffs have slashed their profits, likening their real-world financial losses to Monopoly money.
Stonemaier Games Leads the Legal Challenge
Stonemaier Games, the creator of popular board games like “Wingspan,” “Rolling Realms,” and “Vantage,” is one of the leading plaintiffs in the lawsuit.
The company announced this week that it would participate in a legal effort to “challenge the unchecked authority” of Trump’s tariff policies.
In a public statement, Stonemaier Games said they refuse to “stand idly by” while their livelihoods, and those of thousands of small business owners and contractors across the United States, are “treated like pawns in a political game.”
How the Tariffs Are Impacting Game Companies
According to the lawsuit, Stonemaier Games estimates it will pay “millions in tariffs” because it manufactures all its products at a Chinese factory owned by Panda Game Manufacturing.
The company has relied on this manufacturing partnership for over 13 years.
At least nine other companies have joined Stonemaier in the legal battle.
Notable participants include XYZ Game Labs, Rookie Mage, Spielcraft, and TinkerHouse Games.
Each company alleges that the tariffs will cause them substantial financial harm.
Spielcraft, a Nebraska-based independent board game maker, reported paying $4,335 in tariffs in April alone, according to court documents.
Other Small Businesses Joining the Lawsuit
The lawsuit is not limited to tabletop game makers.
Clothing company Princess Awesome, which specializes in inclusive apparel for children and adults, has also joined the case.
Princess Awesome stated that it paid $1,041 in tariff fees for dresses imported from China in March.
The company continues to source products from countries like Peru, Bangladesh, and India, anticipating additional costs in the near future.
Trump’s Defense of the Tariffs
President Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent maintain that the tariffs are part of a broader strategy to boost manufacturing jobs within the United States.
They argue that the long-term benefits will outweigh short-term pain.
However, experts warn that tariffs can quickly raise consumer prices, reduce purchasing power, and cause supply chain disruptions.
Some analysts predict that the effects could become noticeable within weeks.
Constitutional Arguments Against the Tariffs
The Pacific Legal Foundation, which represents the companies in the lawsuit, argues that Trump’s tariffs are unconstitutional.
According to the foundation, the Constitution grants Congress—not the president—the power to impose tariffs.
They argue that Congress cannot delegate such core legislative powers to the executive branch.
In their words, “Policies affecting an entire nation should come from the body most representative of the entire nation.”
Final Thoughts
The lawsuit against Trump highlights the growing tensions between small businesses and federal economic policies.
For companies like Stonemaier Games and others, the tariffs are not just a political issue but a direct threat to their survival.
As the legal battle unfolds, it could set important precedents about presidential power and the future of international trade for American businesses.
