On Friday, the US Supreme Court ruled that President Donald Trump overstepped his authority by imposing a series of tariffs that disrupted global trade. This decision effectively blocks a key tool used by Trump to advance his economic agenda, asserting that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not grant the president the right to set tariffs. The court, which has a conservative majority, passed the ruling with a vote of six to three, underscoring the court's stance on the limits of executive power regarding tariff imposition.

The ruling detailed that if Congress intended to grant special and extraordinary powers to set tariffs under this act, it would have done so explicitly, as it has with other tariff laws. This decision is significant in the framework of US trade policy and highlights the importance of legislative intent in the context of executive actions. Trump's use of tariffs as a lever for negotiation and pressure has been a hallmark of his administration, particularly since his unprecedented return to the presidency last year and his application of tariffs to almost all US trade partners.

By declaring the tariffs illegal, the Supreme Court not only limits Trump's power but also sends a message about the constitutional balance between branches of government. It reinstates the role of Congress in trade regulation, which may have implications for future presidential actions concerning trade and tariffs. This ruling could reshape the landscape of US economic policy and international trade relations moving forward, leading to significant discussions about the authority of the presidency and legislative checks in handling economic measures.