US Court Rejects Trump's Tariffs: Congress Holds the Power

**US Court Blocks Trump Tariffs, Underscoring Congressional Authority** A US federal court delivered a significant blow to President Donald Trump's trade policies on Wednesday, ruling that his imposition of tariffs under emergency powers was an overreach of his executive authority. The Court of International Trade found the tariffs, enacted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), lacked legal justification. The decision is likely to have significant implications for future trade disputes and underscores the constitutional principle that Congress holds primary authority over tariff decisions. The tariffs, which Trump's administration defended as part of a strategy to reduce trade deficits and pressure negotiations, were challenged by US businesses and a coalition of 13 states. Plaintiffs argued the levies harmed economic interests and increased costs for public institutions. Judge Jane Restani's ruling emphasized that the court's role was to interpret the scope of executive power, not to assess the policy's effectiveness or wisdom. "The court does not pass upon the wisdom or likely effectiveness of the President's use of tariffs as leverage...that use is impermissible not because it is unwise or ineffective, but because [federal law] does not allow it." - The U.S. Court of International Trade Stephen Miller, a former White House advisor and leading Trump ally, reacted strongly to the ruling on social media, declaring "The judicial coup is out of control." The White House and lawyers for the groups that sued have not yet issued formal statements. This ruling marks a significant legal victory for those who argued against Trump's use of emergency powers to impose tariffs. It sets a precedent that could influence future trade disputes and strengthens the role of Congress in shaping US trade policy.