Trump Reacts to Court’s Tariff Ruling Decision

A US federal appeals court has ruled that the majority of former President Donald Trump‘s signature tariffs were imposed illegally. The decision represents a major legal setback for his key economic policy. The ruling was delivered by the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, DC.

The court, however, allowed the contested tariffs to remain in effect temporarily. They will stay in place until October 14th to allow for an appeal to the Supreme Court. This pause prevents immediate economic disruption for businesses.

Legal Basis for the Landmark Tariff Ruling

The court found that Trump exceeded his presidential authority. He had used emergency powers laws to justify imposing the tariffs. The specific statute in question is the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

According to Reuters, the court stated the law does not grant tariff power. “The statute bestows significant authority on the President… but none of these actions explicitly include the power to impose tariffs,” the order read. This marked the first time a president used IEEPA to enact tariffs.

The ruling invalidates two major sets of tariffs. It strikes down the “reciprocal” tariffs from April and separate levies on China, Canada, and Mexico from February. Tariffs on steel and aluminum under different laws were not affected.

Trump’s Forceful Response and Next Steps

Donald Trump issued a vehement response to the court’s decision. He called the ruling “incorrect” and vowed to fight it all the way to the Supreme Court. He insisted that all tariffs remain fully in effect during the appeal process.

Trump defended the tariffs as essential for national strength. He claimed removing them would be a “total disaster” for the United States. He argued they protect American manufacturers and farmers from unfair trade practices.

The legal challenge was brought by a coalition of plaintiffs. Five small US businesses and 12 Democratic-led states filed the lawsuits. They argued the Constitution gives Congress, not the president, the sole power to levy taxes and tariffs.

The administration’s next move is an appeal to the Supreme Court. This legal battle will determine the future scope of presidential trade power.

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Q1: Which Trump tariffs were ruled illegal?

The court ruled against tariffs enacted under emergency powers. This includes the April “reciprocal” tariffs and February tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico. Steel and aluminum tariffs under other laws were not affected.

Q2: Are the tariffs still in place right now?

Yes, the tariffs remain active for now. The court suspended its ruling until October 14th. This gives the Trump administration time to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court.

Q3: What was the main legal reason for the ruling?

The court found the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not authorize tariffs. The judges stated the law allows for other emergency actions but not the power to impose taxes or tariffs on goods.

Q4: Who filed the lawsuit against the tariffs?

The legal challenge was a combined effort. Five small American businesses and a group of 12 states led by Democratic attorneys general filed the suits. They argued the president overstepped his constitutional authority.

Q5: What happens if the Supreme Court upholds this ruling?

A Supreme Court affirmation would permanently strike down the specific tariffs. It would also set a major precedent limiting future presidential use of emergency powers to enact trade policy without congressional approval.

Sources: Reuters, Associated Press