A recent ruling by a U.S. federal appeals court deemed numerous tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump as unlawful, specifically citing the “Liberation Day” tariffs and fentanyl-related duties as exceeding the authority granted by the national security statute. The court’s decision, with a 7-4 vote, highlighted the lack of explicit tariff provisions or limitations on the President’s tariff imposition power within the statute.
President Trump responded via social media, emphasizing that all tariffs remain in effect and criticizing the court’s perceived bias. The Liberty Justice Center, representing affected businesses, underscored the President’s inability to unilaterally impose tariffs.
The International Economic Emergency Powers Act of 1977, invoked by Trump to implement tariffs globally, grants the President emergency economic control but does not explicitly address tariffs, a domain typically under Congress’s jurisdiction. The Center argued that this act does not confer unrestricted tariff authority on the President.
While the White House defended Trump’s tariff actions as safeguarding national and economic security, the ruling was praised for shielding American businesses and consumers from the adverse effects of these tariffs. The ongoing legal battle awaits a potential Supreme Court review.
The article also highlighted Trump’s utilization of tariffs to reshape international trade dynamics, particularly impacting Canada with increased duties. The Canadian government continues to engage in negotiations to mitigate the tariff impact on key industries, awaiting further clarity pending the legal outcome.