The US Supreme Court justices, including conservatives, intensely questioned the Trump administration’s legal basis for imposing broad tariffs under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Over a two-hour hearing, Chief Justice John Roberts and others expressed skepticism about whether the president had the authority to bypass Congress on tariffs framed as national security measures.
The case centers on country-specific tariffs announced by Trump in April targeting various global trade partners. The administration argues these were justified by trade deficits posing national security risks. Lower courts disagreed, ruling tariffs fall under Congress’s taxing powers, not executive authority.
Justice Amy Coney Barrett questioned the rationale for applying tariffs broadly to many countries. Justices also debated if tariffs, despite claims, are effectively taxes borne by American consumers. If the court rules against Trump, billions in collected tariffs might have to be refunded, complicating trade and economic policies.
This high-profile case will shape presidential powers, global trade relations, and constitutional limits on executive actions.
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