Trump’s Tariff Powers Under Fire: Is He Above the Law? U.S. Court May Decide Today

Serious questions have been raised in the U.S. Court of Appeals over the legality of the tariffs imposed by Donald Trump on imports. The court asked whether the President had the authority to do so under the IEEPA. The petitioners have called it a violation of the Constitution.

Edited By: Shubham Singh

Last Updated : 01 August 2025, 02:26 PM IST

U.S. Court May Rule Today on Trump’s Tariff Powers Amid Rising Legal Battle (Image Source: India Daily)

The heavy tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on imported goods have now become the center of a legal battle in the United States. During a hearing in the U.S. Court of Appeals on Thursday, judges raised serious questions about Trump’s authority to impose such tariffs. The court may issue an important ruling on the matter today.

According to media reports, the Federal Circuit Court based in Washington D.C. is currently hearing two lawsuits filed by five small businesses and 12 Democrat-led states. In these cases, Trump’s tariffs have been challenged as illegal under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA. The petitioners argue that Trump violated the Constitution by exercising powers that belong solely to the U.S. Congress.

Protecting Trade Interests

During his term, Trump imposed tariffs on countries like China, Canada, and Mexico in February 2020. Additionally, in April, he introduced reciprocal tariffs on several U.S. trade partners. He claimed that this tariff policy was necessary to protect America’s trade interests. However, the issue has now become entangled in legal complications.

Argument by Attorney Brett Shumate

Representing the government in court, attorney Brett Shumate argued that the IEEPA grants the President “extraordinary” powers during emergencies, including the ability to regulate or block imports. However, the judges disagreed with this argument, stating that the IEEPA makes no clear mention of tariffs. One judge even remarked that the law does not refer to tariffs at all. The government lawyer insisted that the President has full authority to control imports in times of crisis, but the court appeared more focused on whether Trump had overstepped the boundaries set by the IEEPA.

Abuse of Power

The opposing side strongly emphasized that Trump’s decision was not only against the law but also a misuse of powers granted by the Constitution. According to the U.S. Constitution, the power to impose taxes and tariffs lies solely with Congress, not the President.