by A federal court has ruled that former President Donald Trump overstepped his authority by imposing global tariffs without Congressional approval.
The Court of International Trade declared that the tariffs, implemented under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), were unlawful and not justified by any legitimate emergency.
What Happened
A three-judge panel of the New York-based Court of International Trade struck down tariffs imposed by former President Trump in 2025.
The ruling states that Trump lacked the legal authority to levy sweeping global tariffs using IEEPA, a law intended for specific emergency situations.
The court emphasized that only Congress has the constitutional authority to impose tariffs in most cases.
Key Details
- The tariffs targeted over 50 countries and were justified by Trump as a response to national trade deficits.
- Judges said Trump’s use of IEEPA lacked necessary legal grounding.
- The court found the tariffs neither limited in duration nor scope, thus violating legal standards.
- This marks the first court decision directly ruling on Trump’s unilateral tariff powers under IEEPA.
- The decision consolidated two cases—one filed by small businesses, and another by 12 Democratic attorneys general.
Reactions or Statements
White House spokesman Kush Desai defended the tariffs and criticized the ruling.
“It is not for unelected judges to decide how to address a national emergency.”
Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford praised the court’s ruling.
“These tariffs were unlawful and economically destructive.”
New York Attorney General Letitia James called the decision a “major victory.”
“No president has the power to single-handedly raise taxes. These tariffs would have caused inflation and job losses.”
Investigation or What’s Next
The Trump administration has filed an appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
They are expected to request a stay to block the court’s decision from taking immediate effect.
Legal experts anticipate further scrutiny on the limits of executive power in trade policy.
FAQs
Q: Why did the court strike down the tariffs?
A: The court ruled they were enacted without legal authority and not based on a true emergency.
Q: What law did Trump use to justify the tariffs?
A: The International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
Q: Who filed the lawsuits?
A: Small businesses and attorneys general from 12 states.
Q: What’s the next step in the case?
A: The case will be reviewed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
Q: Did any other court previously rule on this issue?
A: A Florida judge transferred a similar case, but no ruling had been issued until now.
Summary / Final Takeaway
The federal court’s decision delivers a clear message: the power to impose tariffs lies primarily with Congress, not the president.
Trump’s broad use of IEEPA to justify sweeping global tariffs has now been deemed legally invalid.
With an appeal pending, the future of these tariffs—and executive authority in trade—remains uncertain.
