Supreme Court Rules President Lacked Authority for Most Trump-Era Tariffs

In Brief

The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that President Trump could not impose most global tariffs unilaterally.

Key Facts

• The US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to strike down most of President Trump's global tariffs. [1,2,3,4,7,8,10,11,15,21]
• The decision found Trump lacked authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose these tariffs. [2,7,10,21]
• CBS News reported businesses may be owed nearly $150 billion in refunds after the ruling. [5]
• President Trump called the Supreme Court's decision 'deeply disappointing' and criticized several justices, according to CBS News and Al Jazeera. [19,20]
• ABC News and The Guardian reported Trump outlined plans to pursue tariffs under other statutory authorities following the ruling. [18,22]

What Happened

On Friday, the US Supreme Court ruled in a 6-3 decision that President Trump did not have legal authority under the IEEPA to impose most global tariffs. The ruling invalidates tariffs enacted during his second term. President Trump responded publicly, expressing disappointment and announcing intentions to seek alternative tariff measures.

Why It Matters

The ruling clarifies the limits of presidential authority to impose tariffs without congressional approval. CBS News reported businesses affected by the tariffs may be eligible for refunds. President Trump and some supporters have criticized the decision and indicated plans to pursue new tariff policies, while legal experts and business owners have offered varied reactions. The estimated $150 billion in refunds is reported by CBS News; other sources have not confirmed this figure. Perspectives from legal experts and supporters of the tariffs vary and are not fully detailed in available sou...