Trump Tariff Ruling Creates Uncertainty: Expert Warns of Legal Challenges

A federal court ruling against President Trump's reciprocal tariffs has injected significant uncertainty into the administration's trade policy, according to Jonathan Kanter, former assistant attorney general for the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. Kanter, speaking in a recent CNBC video, stated that the ruling leaves the administration with limited alternative options for imposing tariffs. "The court essentially said that the administration overreached by using this method to impose tariffs," Kanter explained. He noted that alternative mechanisms exist but come with their own limitations, requiring time-consuming assessments of the national emergency. This procedural hurdle could allow affected countries to delay concessions, prolonging the uncertainty. The administration needs to carefully consider its next steps, Kanter advised, emphasizing the need for a thoughtful approach to avoid further legal challenges. The ruling underscores the complexity of trade policy and the potential for legal battles to shape economic outcomes.