US Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump’s Global Tariffs

In a 6–3 decision led by Chief Justice John Roberts, the Court stated that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not grant the president unilateral authority to impose broad import tariffs without explicit congressional approval.

The ruling effectively nullifies one of the most controversial policy tools used by Trump during his second term, when tariffs were deployed as a central instrument of economic and foreign policy.

Under the so-called “Liberation Day” tariffs, duties ranging from 10 to 50 percent were imposed on goods from countries including China, Canada, and Mexico. The measures heightened global trade tensions and contributed to volatility in international markets.

Economists estimate that more than $175 billion was collected under the tariff program. Following the Court’s decision, questions have emerged over whether businesses may be entitled to refunds of those duties.