The Trump administration has asked for a quick decision in its Trump tariffs Supreme Court case, seeking to overturn an appeals court ruling that found the duties illegal under federal emergency law.
Legal Challenge Over Presidential Power
A federal appeals court previously ruled 7-4 that the tariffs were unlawful under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
The court allowed the duties to remain in place pending a final resolution of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act lawsuit.
Arguments of Trump Tariffs Economic Harm
Many states and small businesses challenging the tariffs claim they are causing significant financial damage. Jeffrey Schwab, an attorney with the Liberty Justice Center, said, “These unlawful tariffs are inflicting serious harm on small businesses and jeopardizing their survival.“
Stakes High in Trump Tariffs Supreme Court Case
The Trump administration argues that striking down the tariffs would cause its own economic harm and jeopardize foreign negotiations.
The administration stated the decision “casts a pall of uncertainty upon ongoing foreign negotiations that the President has been pursuing through tariffs over the past five months.“
The government also warned that the U.S. Treasury might have to refund billions if the tariffs are overturned.
The levies have raised $159 billion since late August, and the administration’s filing noted, “The stakes in this case could not be higher.“
Constitutional Context and Delegated Authority
While the Constitution gives Congress the power to set tariffs, many lawmakers have delegated that authority to the White House over time.
Some of Trump’s tariffs were left in place by former President Joe Biden, but those specific duties are not part of this case.
The Supreme Court is expected to decide soon whether to take up the case directly. The final Supreme Court tariff case decision could set a major ruling on the limits of presidential power over trade.
