In a major blow to former President Donald Trump, the U.S. Supreme Court has struck down his sweeping global tariffs, ruling that he overstepped his authority in imposing the levies. What this really means is a significant reassertion of the court's power to check the president's actions, even for a leader who appointed three of the justices himself.
A Stinging Rebuke
The 6-3 ruling, authored by conservative Chief Justice John Roberts, found that Trump's use of a 1977 law meant for national emergencies to justify his tariffs was unconstitutional. The bigger picture here is that the court has now firmly established that the president cannot unilaterally wield such broad economic powers without clear congressional approval - a major check on executive authority.
Trump, unsurprisingly, reacted with fury, calling the justices "disloyal to our Constitution" and vowing to impose new global tariffs under a different law. However, legal experts say that path is likely blocked as well, and the ruling represents a significant defeat for one of the central planks of Trump's economic agenda.
Ripple Effects Across the Globe
The decision could have far-reaching ramifications for the global economy, which has been roiled by Trump's trade wars and tit-for-tat tariffs over the past several years. Reuters reports that the ruling offers "little respite" for businesses and countries that have been grappling with the uncertainty and disruption caused by the tariffs.
Companies that paid billions in tariffs will now be eligible for refunds, but the process is expected to be chaotic. And while Trump's successor may not pursue such sweeping unilateral tariffs, the underlying tensions and trade disputes that the former president inflamed are likely to linger.
A Reassertion of Judicial Power
Ultimately, the Supreme Court's ruling represents a significant check on presidential power and a reassertion of the judiciary's role in the balance of powers. As constitutional law expert Peter Shane noted, the court has shown it "will not necessarily provide legal cover for every plank of Trump's platform." This decision, along with other recent rulings that have limited the administration's actions, suggests the justices are willing to robustly defend their role as a co-equal branch of government.
Only time will tell how this ruling, and the broader dynamics it represents, will shape the future of U.S. trade policy and the relationship between the White House and the courts. But for now, it stands as a significant rebuke of one of Trump's signature economic initiatives.