New Delhi, Aug 30: A federal appeals court has ruled that President Donald Trump exceeded his authority in imposing sweeping tariffs on foreign imports, declaring them unconstitutional but leaving them in place temporarily, according to international media reports.
In a 7–4 decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit said Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to justify broad tariffs on countries including China, Mexico and Canada was “invalid as contrary to law.” The court argued that imposing tariffs was “a core Congressional power,” not a presidential one, the media reported from Washington.
The ruling, which affects Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs and other duties he levied during his term, will not take effect until October 14. This gives the administration time to appeal to the Supreme Court, setting up what could become a defining legal battle over executive power and trade. Trump in response, immediately lashed out at the decision, posting on Truth Social that the ruling was a partisan attack on U.S. economic sovereignty.
“ALL TARIFFS ARE STILL IN EFFECT!” he wrote. “Today a Highly Partisan Appeals Court incorrectly said that our Tariffs should be removed, but they know the United States of America will win in the end. If these Tariffs ever went away, it would be a total disaster for the Country. It would make us financially weak, and we have to be strong. The U.S.A. will no longer tolerate enormous Trade Deficits and unfair Tariffs and Non Tariff Trade Barriers imposed by other Countries, friend or foe, that undermine our Manufacturers, Farmers, and everyone else. If allowed to stand, this Decision would literally destroy the United States of America.”
Trump insisted that tariffs remain the best tool to defend American workers and industries, and expressed confidence the Supreme Court would side with him. “With the help of the United States Supreme Court, we will use them to the benefit of our Nation, and Make America Rich, Strong, and Powerful Again,” he added.
The case highlights the tension between presidential authority and Congressional power in trade policy. For now, the tariffs remain in force, but their future could hinge on the Supreme Court’s willingness to hear the case in the coming months.
