Supreme Court Limits Presidential Power on Tariffs

In a landmark ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down former President Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs, saying he exceeded his constitutional authority. The 6–3 decision determined that the emergency powers law he cited did not give him the power to impose broad import taxes — a power reserved for Congress.

The Court said tariffs are a form of tax, and only Congress has that constitutional authority. Legal challenges had argued the emergency powers statute used had no clear language granting tariff authority.

Trump reacted angrily, condemning the ruling and calling some justices disloyal, while announcing plans for a new 10% global tariff under a different law that may face its own legal fights.

The decision could trigger refund claims by companies and raises fresh uncertainty for global trade policy as markets adjust to the new legal landscape.