US Appeals Court Temporarily Reinstates Trump Tariffs Amid Ongoing Legal Battles

A federal appeals court temporarily reinstated President Donald Trump's tariffs after lower courts ruled many of them unlawful, including the broad 'Liberation Day' tariffs and those targeting fentanyl-related imports from China, Mexico, and Canada. The Trump administration maintains that tariffs will continue regardless of court rulings and plans to double tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, viewing the imposition of tariffs as a crucial bargaining tool in trade negotiations, particularly with China. Legal challenges to the tariffs stem from claims that Trump overstepped his authority, with lawsuits brought by multiple states and businesses, while the administration argues that tariff decisions fall under foreign policy and should not be subject to judicial review. Trump has publicly criticized the courts, labeling judges as politically motivated and asserting that the rulings threaten national interests, while some constitutional experts see the injunctions as affirming the separation of powers. The ongoing legal battles have created uncertainty in global trade relations, especially as the US-China trade détente remains fragile amid accusations of violations by both sides. Despite setbacks, the White House and Trump's economic advisers emphasize that tariffs will remain an integral part of the US trade strategy moving forward.