Federal Court Rules Trump Tariffs Illegal Under Federal Law

 A federal appeals court has ruled that former President Donald Trump’s tariffs exceeded presidential authority under U.S. law, striking down the measures as unlawful.

In a 7-4 decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed a lower court’s finding that the tariffs imposed through executive orders violated the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The court stated:

> “We affirm the CIT’s holding that the Trafficking and Reciprocal Tariffs imposed by the Challenged Executive Orders exceed the authority delegated to the President by IEEPA’s text. We also affirm the CIT’s grant of declaratory relief that the orders are invalid as contrary to law.”

Although ruled illegal, the appeals court allowed the tariffs to remain in place until October 14, giving the Trump administration time to appeal the case to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Trump Responds on Truth Social

Former President Trump reacted strongly to the ruling, insisting that tariffs are still in effect and calling the decision partisan.

“Today a Highly Partisan Appeals Court incorrectly said that our Tariffs should be removed, but they know the United States of America will win in the end,” Trump wrote. “If these Tariffs ever went away, it would be a total disaster for the Country.”

He added that tariffs are essential to strengthen U.S. manufacturing, protect farmers, and reduce trade deficits, pledging that he will continue to fight for them.

White House Stands Firm

A White House spokesman emphasized that the tariffs remain legally in place for now.

“President Trump lawfully exercised the tariff powers granted to him by Congress to defend our national and economic security from foreign threats. The president’s tariffs remain in effect, and we look forward to ultimate victory on this matter,” the spokesperson said.

Tariffs and Revenue Impact

Revenue from tariffs reached $142 billion by July, more than double the previous year. While Congress traditionally has authority over taxes and tariffs, lawmakers in recent decades have delegated some of that power to the executive branch.

The key legal question is whether Trump properly used the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act, a law designed for national emergencies, to justify steep import fees and new tariffs. His legal team has argued that courts upheld similar emergency measures under President Richard Nixon in the 1970s.

What’s Next?

The Trump administration is expected to appeal the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court. Until then, the tariffs remain in effect.

Trump warned that removing them would “literally destroy the United States of America,” while again promoting tariffs as the best tool to protect American workers and industries.