The United States Supreme Court has struck down most of the global tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump, dealing a significant setback to a central pillar of his second-term economic policy.
In a 6–3 decision authored by Chief Justice John Roberts, the court ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not grant the president authority to unilaterally impose tariffs.
“The President asserts the extraordinary power to unilaterally impose tariffs of unlimited amount, duration, and scope. In light of the breadth, history, and constitutional context of that asserted authority, he must identify clear congressional authorization to exercise it,” Roberts wrote. 
The court held that the law cited by the administration does not explicitly provide such powers.
“IEEPA contains no reference to tariffs or duties. The government points to no statute in which Congress used the word ‘regulate’ to authorize taxation. And until now, no President has read IEEPA to confer such power,” the opinion stated.
The ruling emphasised the judiciary’s constitutional role, noting that the court was not weighing economic policy but interpreting the limits of executive authority.
“We claim no special competence in matters of economics or foreign affairs. We claim only, as we must, the limited role assigned to us by Article III of the Constitution. Fulfilling that role, we hold that IEEPA does not authorize the President to impose tariffs.”
Justices Clarence Thomas, Brett Kavanaugh, and Samuel Alito dissented, arguing that the president should retain the authority to impose tariffs during national emergencies.
The decision is expected to have significant implications for U.S. trade policy and the scope of presidential powers in economic matters.
