Feb 20 • 14:17 UTC 🇶🇦 Qatar Al Jazeera

US Supreme Court Challenges Trump and Rejects His Tariffs

The US Supreme Court has rejected the comprehensive tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on imported goods, stating that the power to impose such tariffs lies solely with Congress.

On Friday, the US Supreme Court ruled against the comprehensive tariffs implemented by President Donald Trump, which were based on a law intended for national emergency use. This decision, with a majority of 6 judges in favor and 3 against, represents a significant pushback against one of Trump's most controversial assertions of power. The Court's ruling highlights the constitutional allocation of taxing power, making it clear that only Congress holds the authority to impose tariffs. Chief Justice John Roberts emphasized that the framers of the Constitution did not grant any taxing powers to the executive branch.

The ruling focused primarily on the tariffs implemented under the Economic Powers Act, which Trump utilized to impose reciprocal tariffs across nearly all countries. This Supreme Court decision marks a critical evaluation of Trump's first significant policy initiative that reached the highest court, following his appointments of three conservative justices during his first term. The implications of this ruling are substantial, as it challenges the executive branch's authority and sets a precedent for future administrations regarding economic measures.

As the decision unfolds, it will likely impact the global economy significantly, especially given the interconnected nature of international trade. The Supreme Court's reinforcement of Congress's power to regulate tariffs suggests a return to a more balanced distribution of power between the legislative and executive branches, potentially affecting future policy-making. This ruling may also influence how subsequent presidents approach tariff implementation, knowing they cannot unilaterally invoke such measures without congressional approval.

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