Trump Seeks Supreme Court Intervention to Save Tariffs from Lower Court Ruling

Trump Asks US Supreme Court to Uphold Tariffs After Lower Court Defeat President Donald Trump has petitioned the US Supreme Court to overturn a lower court decision that found many of his sweeping tariffs were illegal. The administration filed a petition late on Wednesday, asking the justices to quickly intervene and rule that the president has the power to impose such import taxes on foreign nations. The case centers around tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which gives the president authority to act against "unusual and extraordinary" threats. In April, Trump declared an economic emergency, arguing that a trade imbalance had undermined domestic manufacturing and was harmful to national security. A divided US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit last week ruled 7-4 that the tariffs did not fall within the president's mandate and that setting levies was "a core Congressional power." The decision has significant implications for Trump's economic and foreign policy agenda, potentially forcing the US to refund billions in tariffs. "We are confident that the Supreme Court will uphold the president's authority under IEEPA," said a White House spokesperson. "The administration looks forward to presenting its case before the nation's highest court." Critics of the tariffs argue that they were imposed without proper congressional approval and violate international trade agreements. "This is a clear overreach by the executive branch, and we're pleased that the lower courts have recognized this," said Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), who has been vocal in his opposition to the tariffs. The case has sparked debate among lawmakers, with some arguing that Trump's actions are an abuse of power. "The president is trying to rewrite the rules on trade and ignore the Constitution," said Representative Nancy Pelosi (D-CA). "We will continue to fight against these unjustified tariffs." Background context reveals that the IEEPA was enacted in 1977, giving the president authority to respond to national emergencies. Trump's declaration of an economic emergency has been criticized for its broad scope and lack of specificity. The Supreme Court is expected to review the case in the coming months, with a decision potentially affecting billions of dollars in tariffs imposed on Chinese goods. The outcome will have significant implications for US trade policy and the global economy. Additional Perspectives Supporters of Trump's tariffs argue that they are necessary to protect American industries and jobs. "The president is taking bold action to address our nation's trade imbalance," said a spokesperson for the National Association of Manufacturers. "We believe the Supreme Court will uphold his authority under IEEPA." Opponents of the tariffs counter that they harm American consumers and businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises. "These tariffs are a tax on American families and businesses, and we urge the Supreme Court to recognize their illegality," said a spokesperson for the National Retail Federation. Current Status The case is currently before the US Supreme Court, with arguments expected in the coming months. The outcome will have significant implications for US trade policy and the global economy. *Reporting by Bbc.*