Supreme Court Reviews Legality of Trump's Tariffs and National Security Claims

President Donald Trump has employed tariffs, notably his "Liberation Day" tariffs, as a central tool in his economic and foreign policy agenda during his second term, imposing sweeping import taxes on nearly all countries. These tariffs, justified by the White House under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), have sparked legal challenges culminating in the Supreme Court hearing arguments on whether Trump exceeded his authority under this law, which traditionally supports sanctions rather than tariffs. Critics argue that imposing tariffs constitutes a tax power reserved for Congress under Article I of the Constitution, while supporters suggest the tariffs fall within presidential powers related to national security and foreign affairs. The outcome of the Supreme Court decision could either curtail or significantly expand presidential power concerning trade and emergency powers. President Trump has expressed intense interest in the case, even considering attending the Supreme Court oral arguments in person, a historic move for a sitting president. Meanwhile, several small businesses and states have become plaintiffs in lawsuits challenging the tariffs, highlighting the broader economic and legal impact of this policy.