Trump Appeals Court Ruling Declaring Tariffs Illegal

President Donald Trump has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a federal appeals court decision that found most of his tariffs illegal.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled 7–4 that Trump exceeded his authority by using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose broad import duties. The court said the law does not grant the president unilateral power to set tariffs, which is traditionally a congressional prerogative.

The contested tariffs, covering imports from countries including China, Canada, and Mexico, account for nearly 70% of projected U.S. tariff revenue in 2026. The administration argues that rolling them back would threaten up to $1 trillion in revenue and destabilize economic agreements.

Solicitor General D. John Sauer emphasized the need for the Supreme Court to act swiftly to clarify presidential authority under the IEEPA. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed the concerns, warning that legal uncertainty could disrupt trade and international relations.

The appeals court allowed the tariffs to remain in effect until at least mid-October while the administration seeks Supreme Court review. If the Supreme Court declines to hear the case, the ruling could have broad implications for the legitimacy of executive powers in trade and economic policy.

The Supreme Court has until September 10 to decide whether to take up the case. The outcome will likely shape U.S. trade policy and executive authority for years to come.