Immediate Tariff Hike and Presidential Response
US President Donald Trump announced that global tariffs on foreign goods will rise from 10% to 15% effective immediately, just one day after the Supreme Court struck down his use of emergency powers to impose broad import taxes. Trump dismissed the court’s 6–3 ruling as “poorly written” and insisted that other legal authorities still allow him to enforce trade protections.
Congress vs. Executive Authority
The Supreme Court clarified that the Constitution grants Congress—not the president—the power to levy taxes and tariffs. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that taxing authority was never placed in the executive branch. While the ruling limits Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the administration plans to maintain existing national security tariffs under Section 232 and pursue investigations under Section 301 to counter unfair trade practices.
Alternative Legal Routes and Challenges Ahead
Trump’s administration may rely on Section 301 and Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to continue imposing tariffs, though both come with tighter restrictions and time limits compared with emergency powers. Businesses and several states have already filed lawsuits challenging the legality of his previous tariffs. Despite criticism and questions about economic impact, Trump insists he will find ways to keep trade protections in place, saying some tariffs will remain while others may be replaced under alternative legal authorities.
