President Trump’s controversial tariff policies have hit a significant legal snag, with a US trade court ruling them illegal. However, an appeals court has provided a temporary respite, agreeing to pause the decision until a full challenge can be heard. This development is crucial for the Trump administration as it seeks to maintain its expansive use of tariffs as a trade tool.
The Court of International Trade had found that the president’s tariff orders “exceed any authority granted to the president,” specifically questioning his reliance on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to bypass congressional approval. The court’s focus was on the legal basis of the tariffs, not their economic wisdom or efficacy.
While the temporary pause allows the administration to continue collecting tariffs for now, the underlying legal challenge remains formidable. The White House has indicated a willingness to take the case to the Supreme Court, signaling a prolonged legal battle over the scope of presidential power in trade matters.