Federal Appeals Court Rules Trump Tariffs Exceeded Authority

A federal appeals court ruled that President Donald Trump exceeded his authority by unilaterally imposing tariffs on imports using emergency powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), a move the court deemed unconstitutional as the power to levy tariffs belongs to Congress. Trump strongly condemned the ruling, calling the judges a "Radical Left group" and warned that without the tariffs, the United States would be "completely destroyed" and its military power "instantly obliterated." Despite the ruling, the tariffs remain in effect until mid-October as the Justice Department plans to appeal to the Supreme Court. Trump and his administration argue that the tariffs have generated trillions of dollars in revenue, which have been beneficial for the U.S. economy and could help reduce the national debt. Trump adviser Peter Navarro criticized the court decision but expressed optimism that the Supreme Court could eventually rule in the administration's favor, stressing the tariffs relate to national emergencies like fentanyl and trade deficits. The court's decision marks a significant check on presidential authority over trade policy, emphasizing the constitutional role of Congress in taxation and tariffs.