The U.S. Supreme Court has delivered a significant ruling stating that former President Donald Trump's imposition of tariffs violated the Constitution. In a 6 to 3 vote, the Court concluded that Trump exceeded his constitutional powers by invoking an emergency law to implement tariffs without the explicit authorization of Congress. This decision comes as Trump faces declining approval ratings, effectively limiting his capability to use tariffs as leverage in international relations.

The tariffs were imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), a law enacted in 1977 designed to curtail the expansive powers previously granted to presidents during wartime under the Trading with the Enemy Act of 1917. The IEEPA allows the President to declare a national emergency in response to unusual and extraordinary threats, but the Court found that this was not applicable in this instance, as the tariffs lacked Congressional consent.

This ruling has significant implications for executive authority and the balance of power between the presidency and Congress regarding trade and economic sanctions. It underscores the necessity for presidents to seek legislative approval for such measures, thereby reinforcing the constitutional checks and balances designed to prevent overreach by any single branch of government.