Supreme Court blocks Trump’s $175B tariffs

The Supreme Court of the United States has struck down President Donald Trump’s tariff policies, potentially affecting $175 billion in revenue. In a 6-3 decision authored by

WASHINGTON: The Supreme Court of the United States has struck down President Donald Trump’s tariff policies, potentially affecting $175 billion in revenue. In a 6-3 decision authored by Chief Justice John Roberts, the court ruled that Trump exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977.

The President had used the law to justify tariffs on countries including Mexico, Canada, and China, citing trade deficits, national security threats, and the influx of fentanyl into the US. Trump celebrated his tariff program as a way to strengthen the economy, even announcing “reciprocal tariffs” on April 2 that targeted multiple nations globally.

Chief Justice Roberts wrote that Congress has never explicitly granted the president the “distinct and extraordinary power” to impose such tariffs. He emphasized that the president must show “clear congressional authorization” for actions of this magnitude—something Trump failed to do.

Economists warn that the ruling could impact approximately $175 billion in tariff revenue, according to the Penn-Wharton Budget Model. The decision marks a significant check on presidential trade powers and limits the scope of unilateral economic action in the US.

Legal experts say the ruling may have wide implications for current and future trade policy, ensuring that Congress maintains authority over major economic measures.