Are Trump's tariffs legal?
Asked 4 hours ago
Answer
The legality of Trump's tariffs is under Supreme Court review. Lower courts have ruled most tariffs illegal, questioning the president's unilateral authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which does not mention tariffs. Justices express skepticism about bypassing Congress, as the Constitution grants Congress tariff powers. A final decision is pending, and if the Court rules against Trump, Congress may need to explicitly authorize tariffs.
Now Playing
Toymaker takes tariff fight to Supreme Court: "I definitely want my money back"
- The Supreme Court is hearing a case on President Trump's use of emergency powers to impose tariffs on imports from over 100 countries.
- Three lower courts previously ruled that most of the president's tariffs are illegal, and several conservative justices showed skepticism during Supreme Court questioning. 9s
- Learning Resources, a Chicago-area educational toy company, is leading the challenge, arguing the tariffs are an illegal executive power grab and severely harm their business. 1m 5s
- The administration warned that overturning the tariffs could require tens of billions in refunds to American companies and cause economic disruption. 2m 2s
- The Supreme Court is expected to rule on the case in the coming months. 2m 21s
References
Three lower courts ruled most of Trump's tariffs illegal. The Supreme Court is now considering the legality of using emergency powers to impose tariffs, with several justices expressing skepticism toward the administration's arguments.
The Supreme Court heard arguments on whether President Trump has the authority to impose tariffs on foreign imports without Congressional approval, citing the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Justices questioned whether the law grants such power, as the Constitution assigns Congress the authority to regulate tariffs and foreign commerce.
The Supreme Court is considering if the International Emergency Economic Powers Act gives the President authority to impose tariffs, as taxes and levies are typically decided by Congress. The Act has historically been used for national security, not broad economic policy like tariffs.