The Supreme Court on Friday dealt a major blow to President Donald Trump by invalidating most global tariffs, a cornerstone of his economic policy in his second term.
In a 6-3 decision, written by Chief Justice John Roberts, the court held that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not give Trump the authority to unilaterally impose tariffs.
“The President asserts the extraordinary authority to unilaterally impose tariffs of unlimited quantity, duration, and scope. Given the breadth, history, and constitutional context of that asserted authority, he must establish clear congressional authorization to exercise it,” Roberts wrote.
“The IEEPA contains no reference to tariffs or duties. The government points out that there is no law in which Congress has used the word ‘regulate’ to authorize taxation. To date no president has read the IEEPA to grant that authority,” he wrote.
“We claim no special competence in matters of economics or foreign affairs,” the opinion read. “We claim only, as we must, the limited role assigned to us by Article III of the Constitution. In order to fulfill this role, we believe that IEEPA does not authorize the President to impose tariffs.”
Justices Clarence Thomas, Brett Kavanaugh, and Samuel Alito opposition by the majority, arguing that Trump should have the ability to impose tariffs during a national emergency.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
