The US Supreme Court on Friday struck down President Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs imposed under an emergency powers law, delivering a major setback to a key part of his economic agenda. In a 6-3 ruling, the court said the president exceeded his authority in using a 1977 emergency law to impose broad import taxes, including the so-called “reciprocal” tariffs applied to nearly every country. Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas and Brett Kavanaugh dissented, reports AP.

The decision marks the first major element of Trump’s current policy agenda to be decided by the high court. Trump appointed three conservative justices during his first term.

The Constitution grants Congress the power to levy tariffs. The Trump administration had argued that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 allows the president to regulate imports during a national emergency and that the authority includes setting tariffs. While past presidents have used the law to impose sanctions, Trump was the first to apply it broadly to import taxes.

In April 2025, Trump declared trade deficits a national emergency and announced sweeping reciprocal tariffs. The move followed earlier duties on Canada, China and Mexico, which the administration said were aimed at addressing drug trafficking concerns.

The tariffs faced legal challenges from a coalition of largely Democratic-leaning states and from small businesses that said the import taxes harmed their operations. Opponents argued that the emergency law does not mention tariffs and that the administration’s interpretation went beyond the statute’s limits.

Legal opposition to the tariffs crossed political lines, including criticism from libertarian and pro-business groups. Public opinion polls have shown limited support for the policy, with voters expressing concern about affordability.

The ruling does not prevent Trump from imposing tariffs under other trade laws, though those statutes include stricter procedures and limitations. Administration officials have said they expect to pursue alternative legal pathways to maintain elements of the tariff framework.

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Arpita Ghosh (She/Her) is an Assistant Editor at Times Now Digital, with over eight years of experience in digital journalism. She has worked across v...View More

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