US Court Rules Trump’s Global Tariffs Were Illegal

A U.S. appeals court has struck down most of the global tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump, calling them unlawful and setting the stage for a possible Supreme Court battle.

In a 7-4 decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled that Trump’s broad use of tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) exceeded presidential authority. The court said that imposing tariffs is a core power of Congress, not the president.

“The IEEPA neither mentions tariffs nor contains procedural safeguards for such actions,” the judges wrote in the 127-page ruling. “Congress did not intend to give the president unlimited authority to impose tariffs.”

The decision affects the so-called “reciprocal” tariffs Trump implemented in 2024 on most countries, as well as tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada, which the administration claimed were necessary to curb drug imports. These tariffs were imposed via executive orders and set a baseline 10% rate for most nations.

The ruling will not take effect until October 14, giving the government time to request a review by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Trump Responds

Trump responded on Truth Social, calling the court’s decision a disaster:

“If allowed to stand, this Decision would literally destroy the United States of America,” he wrote. “It would make us financially weak, and we have to be strong.”

The former president had justified the tariffs by declaring a national emergency over trade imbalances, arguing they posed a threat to national security. His legal team warned that removing the tariffs could trigger a 1929-style market crash.

What Comes Next?

The ruling stems from lawsuits brought by small businesses and U.S. states, challenging Trump’s executive authority to impose widespread tariffs without Congressional approval. A lower court—the Court of International Trade—had already declared the tariffs illegal in May, but that ruling was paused pending this appeal.

The decision does not impact tariffs on steel and aluminum, which were enacted under different legal provisions.

This latest ruling casts doubt on trade deals made with other countries under the now-invalidated tariffs, and it increases the likelihood the Supreme Court will weigh in. The court’s “major questions doctrine” has already been used to limit executive actions by both Trump and Biden, particularly in areas not explicitly authorized by Congress.

With six of the nine Supreme Court justices appointed by Republicans — including three by Trump himself — the final outcome of the case could have lasting implications for presidential power over trade.