The United States Supreme Court on Friday ruled that President Donald Trump acted unlawfully when he imposed sweeping tariffs on imports from multiple countries. Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the six-justice majority, stated that the president exceeded the authority granted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and that explicit congressional approval is required for such measures.
The ruling marks a major setback for Trump, whose administration had defended the tariffs as essential to national economic strategy. The court did not provide guidance on how to handle the more than $130 billion already collected from importers, leaving lower courts to determine any refunds. Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Brett Kavanaugh dissented.
Roberts emphasised that while the president has certain powers over trade and foreign affairs, these powers are limited and must be clearly authorised by Congress. “The president asserts the extraordinary power to unilaterally impose tariffs of unlimited amount, duration, and scope,” Roberts wrote. “In light of the breadth, history, and constitutional context of that asserted authority, he must identify clear congressional authorisation to exercise it.”
Trump’s emergency tariffs, often referred to as “reciprocal tariffs,” had raised duties on imports from countries including China, Mexico, Canada, India, and Brazil, in some cases exceeding 100 per cent. Critics argued that the tariffs disproportionately affected American businesses and consumers, while the administration insisted they were vital to national economic strength.
The Supreme Court’s decision underscores a growing judicial scrutiny of unilateral executive actions on major economic issues, following precedent cases involving student loan forgiveness and pandemic-related federal mandates. The ruling will likely trigger additional litigation over the repayment of funds collected under the now-declared unlawful tariffs.
