Amanze Chinonye
A divided U.S. appeals court has ruled that most of Trump’s tariffs are illegal, striking at the heart of one of his signature economic policies. The court allowed the levies to remain in place until October 14, giving the administration time to appeal to the Supreme Court.
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In a 7-4 decision, the Federal Circuit in Washington, D.C., found Trump exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which does not explicitly grant presidents the power to impose tariffs. The ruling covers “reciprocal” tariffs introduced in April and additional duties on China, Canada, and Mexico announced in February, but leaves intact separate tariffs on steel and aluminum.
“The statute bestows significant authority on the President but none of these actions explicitly include the power to impose tariffs,” the majority wrote, rejecting Trump’s use of IEEPA as a blanket trade weapon.
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Trump, who has made tariffs central to his second-term foreign policy, blasted the ruling as partisan. On Truth Social, he warned that removing tariffs would be “a total disaster for the Country,” while predicting a Supreme Court reversal.
The tariffs, aimed at pressuring trading partners and reducing U.S. trade deficits, gave U.S. leverage in negotiations but also stoked market volatility and global tensions. Trump defended them as necessary to protect U.S. manufacturing and curb fentanyl trafficking, accusations denied by affected countries.
Friday’s decision deepens legal battles over the scope of presidential power in economic policy, with cases involving the Federal Reserve also heading toward the Supreme Court.
The outcome could reshape U.S. trade authority for decades, influencing consumer prices, global markets, and America’s negotiating clout.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
