On September 9th 2025, the Supreme court of the United States agreed to hear the recent case which established the argument that Trump tariffs are illegal. In consideration to which, the court has plans on for an oral argument set in November where a final decision determines the loss or continuity of Trump’s tariff powers.
Ever since the newly elected President came back to the office for his second term, on 20th January 2025, Donald J. Trump quickly revived the “America First” trade policy, with its main focus to incorporate trade protectionist measures including a set of various tariffs charged on imported goods.
Even though these implications were meant to consider the American Interest, over time as the tariff policies have seen a positive proposition (increase), such aspects have resulted in concerning situation for global trade stability, making it crucial to address.
Such trade policies by the US government explicitly gives us a clear cut analysis on how the administration has the sole objectives of safeguarding the national interest even though if it means to play with the global market economy, shaking it to its core by disrupting supply chain in International trade to reach the nationally desired objective.
As a result of these recent unbearable tariffs, the US federal court gave an appeal in September on how Trump’s tariffs were to be considered; illegal, citing that the President is overstepping his authority, as the IEEPA does not cover reshaping a long run trade structure.
The IEEPA or better known as the International Emergency Economic Powers Act is an imposition by the President that claims to target a potential “economic emergency” from unfair trade and over reliance on foreign goods.
According to the Trump, this Act is also an justification of all his tariff policies supporting him in its endeavour thoroughly.
The court ruling that came as a result to these excruciating policies, was drawn by the initially concerns of various the US businesses, trade groups and even some lawmakers who argued the legality of these tariffs, stating them as unconstitutional. Besides this, since the IEEPA was created to deal with national security threats, their primary point was that there are no such single handed trade policy decisions which are left to the President, instead it is the duty of the US congress to look into these matters, which overall suggests and hints at the potential viewpoint on how President Trump is overstepping his job boundaries and is accused of abuse of authoritative power.
In summary, Trump’s tariffs have already been declared illegal by the federal court appeal, but the supreme court holds utmost power to decide if that ruling stands. These discussions planned for November will also be a determining factor influencing the Presidential powers granted to him by law.
