Supreme Court to Decide Legality of Trump’s Tariffs

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering the USA

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Image Source: Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to decide whether former President Donald Trump had the legal authority to impose sweeping global tariffs using emergency powers. The dispute focuses on whether the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), originally intended for sanctions, allows a president to institute tariffs without explicit Congressional approval.

Lower courts have already ruled against the administration. In May, the U.S. Court of International Trade found the tariffs exceeded presidential authority. That decision was upheld by the Federal Circuit in late August. Nevertheless, the tariffs remain in effect while the case moves forward.

The justices have fast-tracked the case, scheduling oral arguments for early November. If the Court rules against Trump, the financial consequences could be enormous. Some estimates suggest the government may have to refund up to a trillion dollars in already collected duties though other projections suggest the figure could be closer to half that amount.

The Trump administration insists the tariffs are critical to national security, economic stability, and ongoing trade negotiations. They warn that reversing them could spark economic disruption and derail efforts to combat threats such as drug trafficking. On the other hand, business groups and several states argue the tariffs are unconstitutional overreach and harmful to the economy.

The Supreme Court’s decision will have major implications for the executive branch’s power to unilaterally shape trade policy and could redefine presidential authority under emergency powers.