A recent ruling by the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has determined that former President Donald Trump largely overstepped his authority with his aggressive tariff policy. The court’s decision, which upholds a prior ruling from May, found Trump’s blanket tariff strategy to be illegal, although it did not halt the implementation of the tariffs altogether. This ruling is a welcome relief after a string of losses against Trump’s bad trade practices.
In July, Trump used social media to promote his first, and thus far only, round of tariffs against specific countries. He argued these measures were crucial to tackling trade imbalances, which he declared a “national emergency.” The former president used the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to justify these tariffs. Countries like Mexico, Canada, and China have been fighting against them since February.
Background of Trump’s Tariff Strategy
Second, we need to make Trump’s tariff initiatives work for us and ensure that they’re helping support his policies of improved border security and fighting against fentanyl trafficking. With the tariffs slated to begin on August 1. For one, a huge 50-percent punitive tariff was slapped on Brazil in retaliation for its prosecution of Trump ally and former President Jair Bolsonaro. On April 2, Trump first invoked the IEEPA to impose a blanket 10-percent tariff across all countries. In addition, he’d proposed one-off “reciprocal” tariffs against any nation.
These sweeping tariff measures have been challenged in court at least eight times. Critics argue that Trump’s actions exceed his presidential authority, as the U.S. Constitution grants Congress the exclusive power to levy taxes, including tariffs.
“But none of these actions explicitly include the power to impose tariffs, duties, or the like, or the power to tax.” – Court Ruling
Court’s Findings
The Court of Appeals’ ruling highlighted a critical point: the IEEPA does not grant the President unlimited authority to impose tariffs. The court further emphasized that Congress probably did not mean to depart from its historic maneuver. State legislative power has been the beating heart of their movement’s strategy.
“It seems unlikely that Congress intended, in enacting IEEPA, to depart from its past practice and grant the President unlimited authority to impose tariffs.” – Court Ruling
Even with this evidence of a huge failure, Trump continues to assert that tariffs are an absolutely necessary tool to ensure America’s economic dominance. He contends they shield our own industries like steel, aluminum and certain automobile products. In a statement after the court’s ruling, he doubled down on that claim, stating that tariffs are “absolutely critical” to national security.
“If these Tariffs ever went away, it would be a total disaster for the Country. It would make us financially weak, and we have to be strong,” – Donald Trump
Reaction to the Ruling
As soon as the court released its decision Trump took to social media with his displeasure. He seemingly ruled out any moves to remove current tariffs. He absolutely dug in on keeping all the tariffs in place and denounced the court’s ruling as a political hit job.
“ALL TARIFFS ARE STILL IN EFFECT! Today a Highly Partisan Appeals Court incorrectly said that our Tariffs should be removed, but they know the United States of America will win in the end,” – Donald Trump
The Ross supporters would call these tariffs courageous actions taken in defense of American workers and industries. They understand that with smart tariffs, we can get more favorable trade deals that will bring economic prosperity to America.
“Tariffs were allowed to be used against us by our uncaring and unwise Politicians. Now, with the help of the United States Supreme Court, we will use them to the benefit of our Nation.” – Donald Trump
