US President Donald Trump
Supreme Court of the United States has ruled that former President Donald Trump acted beyond his constitutional authority by imposing sweeping global tariffs under emergency economic powers.
In a 6–3 decision delivered on Friday, the conservative-majority court held that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not grant the president the power to introduce broad import duties.
According to the ruling, “IEEPA does not authorize the President to impose tariffs,” rejecting the legal basis Trump relied on to reshape international trade policy.
Trump had frequently used tariffs as a negotiating tool during his presidency. However, after returning to office last year, he expanded their use by invoking emergency powers to impose duties on nearly all major US trading partners.
These measures included so-called “reciprocal” tariffs aimed at countries Washington accused of unfair trade practices. Additional levies were placed on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China, citing concerns over drug trafficking and illegal immigration.
But the Supreme Court ruled that if Congress had intended to give presidents such far-reaching authority, it would have stated so clearly in law.
“Had Congress intended to convey the distinct and extraordinary power to impose tariffs,” the court said, “it would have done so expressly, as it consistently has in other tariff statutes.”
The ruling does not affect sector-specific tariffs previously imposed by Trump on steel, aluminum, and other selected imports. Investigations into additional industry-based duties are also still ongoing.
Legal analysts say this means some protectionist measures may remain in place, even as the broader global tariff framework is dismantled.
Friday’s decision confirms earlier judgments by lower courts, which had ruled that Trump’s tariffs under IEEPA were unlawful.
In May, a federal trade court blocked most of the levies, arguing that the former president had exceeded his authority. However, that ruling was temporarily suspended while the government pursued an appeal.
With the Supreme Court’s verdict, those tariffs are now effectively struck down.
Experts say the ruling could ease tensions in global markets and restore predictability to US trade policy. It also reinforces limits on presidential powers, especially when using emergency laws to influence economic policy.
The decision is expected to shape how future administrations approach trade disputes and the use of executive authority.
