Supreme Court Hears Challenge to Trump's Tariffs

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments on whether President Trump exceeded his authority by imposing sweeping global tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, in a challenge brought by several small businesses and a coalition of states. Plaintiffs include toy maker Learning Resources and Chicago-based toy maker BubblePlush, who say the tariffs disrupted supply chains and raised costs; if the court strikes them down the federal government may have to refund billions in duties. Lower courts largely found the administration exceeded IEEPA authority, while the Justice Department defends the measures as part of the president’s foreign-affairs powers. Trump has called the case among the most consequential in American history but said he will not attend Wednesday’s oral arguments so as not to distract the court. A final ruling, which could take months, would have wide-ranging implications for trade policy, executive emergency powers and U.S. diplomatic leverage.