The U.S. Supreme Court, voting 6‑3, struck down the majority of tariff duties imposed by President Donald Trump, ruling that the president had exceeded his constitutional authority. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that the president “claims the extraordinary power to impose tariffs unilaterally, with unlimited magnitude, duration, and scope” and that such a claim requires clear congressional authorization. Under Article I of the Constitution tax‑levying power rests with Congress; only specific statutes grant the president permission to impose tariffs in particular cases. Trump had invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977, a law designed to give the executive branch flexibility in response to unusual national‑security threats.
The decision directly challenges Trump’s central trade agenda. It remains uncertain whether payments already made on the tariffs will be refunded or how the ruling will shape mid‑term U.S. tariff policy. While both chambers of Congress currently have Republican control, the House has previously seen a coalition of Democratic members and six Republican members vote against Trump’s Canada tariffs-a reminder that the final policy outcome will depend on the evolving political landscape.
