WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Supreme Court has ruled to strike down the administration’s signature economic achievement on Friday, which sought to recalibrate the nation’s trade imbalances with foreign governments, in a 6-3 vote that invalidates many of the Trump tariffs.
The land’s highest court ruled that the president exceeded his authority by implementing global tariffs with the use of a 1977 emergency act called the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
Although the ruling does not strike down all of the administration’s tariffs, it does nullify those imposed on foreign governments under IEEPA. Notably, the ruling will strike down the administration’s reciprocal tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada in what the administration framed as its fight against the flow of illicit drugs into the United States.
Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the court’s opinion for the majority, stating that the Trump administration had asserted “extraordinary power to unilaterally impose tariffs of unlimited amount, duration, and scope.”
Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno, Republican, called the court’s ruling “outrageous,” and demanded that Senate Republicans immediately present a reconciliation vote–which requires a mere majority–to codify the administration’s tariffs.
The Trump administration warned the Supreme Court that any ruling against these tariffs would “destroy” the U.S. economy, forcing the government to refund foreign nations hundreds of billions of dollars.
Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who tends to vote conservative on matters brought before the court, opined on the majority’s ruling, stating that refunds “will likely be a mess.”
Analysts indicate that the administration possibly anticipated Friday’s ruling, as President Trump publicly directed members of his administration months before Friday’s ruling to “find a way around” a negative decision from the Supreme Court.
The Senate’s top Democrat, Chuck Schumer of New York, celebrated the court’s ruling, stating that the president’s global tariffs are illegal and that the decision is “a win for the wallets of every American consumer.”
