US Court Rules That Most Of Trump’s Tariffs Are Illegal
A federal appeals court in the United States has invalidated the majority of President Donald Trump’s tariffs, deeming them illegal and outside the scope of his presidential authority.
The ruling, issued with a 7-4 vote by the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, dismissed Trump’s assertion that the tariffs were permissible under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
The court determined that the IEEPA does not provide the president with the power to impose tariffs, labeling the levies as “invalid as contrary to law.” The judges underscored that the authority to set tariffs is a fundamental prerogative of Congress, emphasizing that the 1977 statute was not designed to grant presidents unchecked control over trade policy.
The decision impacts Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs, which were applied extensively to nations globally, as well as specific tariffs imposed on China, Mexico, and Canada. It does not affect tariffs enacted under other legal authorities, such as those targeting steel and aluminum.
The ruling stemmed from legal challenges brought by small businesses and several US states, who contested the tariffs following Trump’s 2024 executive orders that established a baseline 10% tariff on nearly all countries and additional reciprocal tariffs. The New York-based Court of International Trade had previously declared the tariffs unlawful, though that decision was paused pending the appeal.
On his Truth Social platform, Trump denounced the ruling, describing the court as “highly partisan” and cautioning that eliminating the tariffs would “literally destroy the United States of America.” He maintained that the tariffs were vital for economic prosperity and national security.
Administration lawyers had cautioned that nullifying the tariffs could precipitate a financial crisis akin to the 1929 stock market crash, contending that the levies were essential for safeguarding US security and foreign policy objectives.
The ruling, set to take effect on 14 October unless reversed, is anticipated to be appealed to the US Supreme Court. The case could serve as a significant test of presidential authority, as the Supreme Court has increasingly invalidated broad executive actions lacking explicit congressional authorization. With six of its nine justices appointed by Republicans, including three by Trump himself, the Supreme Court’s ultimate decision could redefine the boundaries of presidential power over trade.
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