US Supreme Court Rules Trump's Global Tariffs Unlawful

The Supreme Court on Friday ruled that PresidentDonald Trumpbroke federal law by unilaterally enacting broad global tariffs, marking a significant setback for the White House on an issue that has been central to the president’s foreign policy and economic agenda. The conservative-majority high court ruled six-three in the judgment, saying the International Emergency Economic Powers Act “does not authorise the President to impose tariffs.” WhileTrumphas long relied on tariffs as a tool of leverage in negotiations, he took the unusual step of invoking emergency economic powers after returning to office last year to impose sweeping duties on nearly all US trading partners. Those measures included so-called “reciprocal” tariffs aimed at trade practices Washington considered unfair, as well as separate rounds of duties on key partners — Mexico, Canada, and China — tied to concerns over illegal drug trafficking and immigration. In its decision, theSupreme Court of the United Statessaid that if Congress had meant to grant the “distinct and extraordinary power” to impose tariffs under theInternational Emergency Economic Powers Act, it would have stated so explicitly, as it has done in other tariff laws. The ruling does not affect separate, sector-specific tariffs Trump placed on imports such as steel, aluminum, and other products. Investigations that could pave the way for additional industry-focused duties are still ongoing. The high court’s decision upholds earlier conclusions by lower courts that the tariffs imposed under IEEPA were unlawful. In May, a federal trade court found that Trump exceeded his authority with the broad levies and moved to block most of them, though that order was temporarily paused while the administration pursued an appeal. With inputs from agencies European unity is strained as Germany, France, and Italy pursue competing strategies on defense and US relations. While leaders agree on rearmament and stronger EU posture, differing approaches risk deepening divisions or could complement each other’s strengths. Get the latest stories delivered straight to your inbox.