Washington: In a landmark verdict that could reshape global trade dynamics, the United States Supreme Court on Friday dealt a significant blow to President Donald Trump, declaring his sweeping tariffs on international trading partners unlawful.
The 6-3 ruling, announced by Chief Justice John Roberts, underscored that the president had overstepped his authority by invoking emergency powers under a 1977 law, a move that encroached on Congress’s constitutional prerogative to regulate tariffs and taxes.
The court’s decision reaffirmed a lower court’s earlier judgement, which had stated that “using the 1977 law, Trump exceeded his authority.” The apex court underscored that Trump illegally subjected America’s trading partners to large tariffs using emergency authority. These tariffs, imposed unilaterally on nations worldwide, were a cornerstone of Trump’s economic and foreign policy arsenal, often wielded to address perceived trade imbalances.
Legal experts suggest the ruling may prompt immediate ripple effects on international markets, potentially easing pressures on economies burdened by these duties. Critics of the tariffs hailed the verdict as a victory for checks and balances, while supporters argued it hampers executive agility in trade negotiations.
This development comes amid ongoing debates over presidential powers, highlighting the delicate balance between swift action and legislative oversight in America’s governance framework.