[NBC] The Supreme Court ruled that President Donald Trump exceeded his authority when imposing sweeping tariffs using a law reserved for a national emergency. The decision does not affect all of Trump’s tariffs, but invalidates those implemented using a 1977 law called the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in the ruling that the Trump administration had asserted "extraordinary power to unilaterally impose tariffs of unlimited amount, duration and scope," but had pointed to no statute that said the IEEPA could apply to tariffs.
The ruling blocks Trump's sweeping reciprocal tariffs and those the president imposed on Canada, China and Mexico in what he said was an effort to stop the flow of illegal drugs.
Democrats in Congress, as well as small business and retail groups, applauded the decision, saying the tariffs had impinged on lawmakers' constitutional authority and hurt U.S. consumers. Some major U.S. trading partners were more muted, however, saying they were reviewing the decision and emphasizing the need for stability in international trade. |