Trump asks Supreme Court to rescue his sweeping tariffs
Former President Donald Trump has turned to the US Supreme Court in hopes of reviving his sweeping tariffs after a lower court ruled that many of them were illegal.
On Wednesday night, Trump’s legal team filed an urgent petition asking the justices to decide whether the president has the authority to impose broad import taxes on foreign nations.
What Happened So Far
- A federal appeals court recently ruled, by a 7-4 vote, that Trump’s tariffs were unconstitutional because setting taxes and tariffs is a power that belongs to Congress—not the president.
- The case stems from Trump’s decision to use the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). He argued that trade imbalances threatened US manufacturing and national security, declaring an “economic emergency” in April.
- While the appeals court sided against Trump, it delayed enforcing the decision to give his team time to appeal.
Why This Matters
The outcome could reshape US trade policy. If the Supreme Court doesn’t take up the case, the lower court ruling will go into effect on October 14. That could force the government to refund billions in tariffs collected from businesses.
Solicitor General John Sauer warned that the ruling undermines ongoing trade talks and puts the US economy at risk. But small businesses challenging the tariffs say they’re confident the courts will strike them down for good.
“These unlawful tariffs are inflicting serious harm on small businesses and jeopardizing their survival,” said Jeffrey Schwab of the Liberty Justice Center.
The Tariffs in Question
- In April, Trump ordered a baseline 10% tariff and added “reciprocal” tariffs targeting over 90 countries.
- The appeals court ruling also struck down tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China—measures Trump said were needed to curb drug imports.
- However, other duties, like tariffs on steel and aluminum imposed under different legal authority, remain unaffected.
The Supreme Court now faces a major decision: whether to step in and settle the question of presidential power over trade once and for all.
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