Supreme Court kills Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs — but 4 other laws could resurrect them
The Supreme Court ruled against Trump's tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, affirming that Congress holds the authority over tariffs.
The Supreme Court has struck down former President Trump's tariffs that were imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, emphasizing that the Constitution assigns tariff authority exclusively to Congress. The ruling came in a 6-3 decision led by Chief Justice John Roberts, asserting the importance of congressional oversight in matters of trade, even when foreign affairs are at stake. Notable dissenters included Justices Clarence Thomas, Brett Kavanaugh, and Samuel Alito, who may see the decision as a limitation on presidential power.
Despite this setback, the ruling may not conclude Trump's efforts to impose tariffs, as several legal pathways remain open for him to potentially reassert aggressive trade measures. The Trade Expansion Act, the Trade Act of 1974, and various Depression-era laws offer alternative routes that could allow Trump to navigate around the Supreme Court's ruling. Legal experts believe that these statutes could be leveraged to revive similar tariff strategies, indicating a continuing tension between executive power and legislative authority.
This Supreme Court decision not only impacts the immediate legal landscape surrounding tariffs but also highlights broader questions about the separation of powers in the U.S. government. With ongoing debates about trade and executive authority, Trump's challenges in re-establishing tariffs reflect a significant ruling that may affect future presidential actions and economic policy. The implications of this case could resonate in political and economic spheres, as both Congress and future administrations evaluate their roles in trade regulation.