WASHINGTON: The United States Supreme Court has invalidated a set of tariffs imposed by former president Donald Trump, ruling that federal emergency powers legislation does not permit the executive branch to levy broad trade duties without congressional authorization.
In a 6–3 decision, the court found that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) cannot be used as a legal basis for imposing tariffs on foreign countries. The ruling determined that the administration exceeded its statutory authority while implementing the trade measures.
The tariffs had targeted multiple trading partners, including developing and emerging economies, and were presented by the administration as necessary for economic and national security reasons.
According to the judgment, tariff policy falls under powers granted to Congress, and any expansion of executive authority in this area would require explicit legislative approval.
Legal analysts say the ruling clarifies the limits of presidential economic powers during emergencies and establishes a precedent governing future trade actions taken without congressional consent.
The decision may also affect ongoing and future trade arrangements negotiated under the tariff framework.
