Appeals Court Strikes Down Most Trump-Era Tariffs

A U.S. federal appeals court ruled that the majority of tariffs imposed during President Trump’s term—specifically those enacted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)—are illegal. In a 7–4 decision, the court found that IEEPA does not grant the president authority to impose tariffs, duties, or taxes, marking a significant rebuke of the executive’s use of emergency powers.

Although the ruling invalidates several of Trump’s most controversial tariffs—including those labeled as “reciprocal” and those targeting China, Canada, and Mexico—the tariffs will remain in effect until October 14. This delay gives the administration time to file an appeal with the Supreme Court.

The decision highlights a key constitutional limit: only Congress has the power to impose taxes and tariffs, and delegations of that authority must be explicit. The ruling poses a direct challenge to Trump’s economic strategy and sets the stage for a high-stakes legal battle over presidential trade authority.