Donald Trump’s Tariffs Declared Unconstitutional in Landmark Court Decision
For months, former President Donald Trump’s tariffs have dominated the political conversation in the United States and reverberated across international markets. The policy, which Trump branded as “reciprocal tariffs,” was introduced with great fanfare on what he called “Liberation Day” back in April. He claimed the tariffs were necessary to protect American workers, rebuild manufacturing, and address the nation’s massive trade deficit.
Since then, the tariffs have been at the very heart of Trump’s economic agenda. They have applied broadly to imports from nearly every country in the world, while additional targeted tariffs were levied against industries such as steel, aluminum, and automobiles. The result has been a global trade shake-up, with allies and rivals alike forced to respond to Washington’s new hardline stance.
But on Friday, that policy suffered a dramatic setback. In a 7–4 decision, the United States Court of Appeals ruled that Trump did not have the constitutional authority to declare national emergencies and then unilaterally impose tariffs of this scale. The ruling struck down the legal foundation for Trump’s sweeping tariffs, though it left intact some of the targeted measures that had been separately justified.
This ruling upheld an earlier decision from the United States Court of International Trade, which had already ruled against the tariffs in May. However, the Court of Appeals also made clear that Trump and his administration have the right to continue their legal fight by appealing the case to the Supreme Court of the United States. Until that process plays out, the tariffs will remain in place.
Trump’s Explosive Response
The court’s decision represents one of the most significant legal challenges yet to Trump’s trade agenda. But the former president reacted with fury, unleashing an explosive statement on his social media platform, Truth Social.
“ALL TARIFFS ARE STILL IN EFFECT! Today a Highly Partisan Appeals Court incorrectly said that our Tariffs should be removed, but they know the United States of America will win in the end. If these Tariffs ever went away, it would be a total disaster for the Country. It would make us financially weak, and we have to be strong.”
Trump insisted that tariffs remain his most powerful tool to shield American jobs from what he described as unfair foreign competition. He argued that previous generations of politicians had been too weak, allowing foreign governments to take advantage of the United States and hollow out the American middle class. The court’s decision, he warned, could “literally destroy” the country if allowed to stand.
The Stakes for the American Economy
The implications of the court’s ruling could be enormous. If the decision is upheld and Trump’s tariffs are permanently struck down, it may force the government to refund billions of dollars in tariffs that have already been collected from importers. Such a move could create chaos in financial markets and upend business planning for companies across the United States that have been adjusting to higher costs for months.
Critics of Trump’s policy argue that the tariffs have already done damage by raising the cost of imported goods, leaving American consumers to shoulder higher prices on everything from household goods to automobiles. Economists have repeatedly warned that tariffs function as a hidden tax, one that often falls hardest on working-class families.
At the same time, supporters of Trump’s approach argue that the tariffs were long overdue. They point to decades of trade imbalances and say tariffs are the only way to pressure countries such as China, Mexico, and European Union members into negotiating fairer deals with the United States.
Trump Doubles Down Ahead of the Supreme Court Fight
In a second Truth Social post, Trump made clear that he does not intend to back down.
“At the start of this Labor Day weekend, we should all remember that TARIFFS are the best tool to help our Workers, and support Companies that produce great MADE IN AMERICA products. Now, with the help of the United States Supreme Court, we will use them to the benefit of our Nation, and Make America Rich, Strong, and Powerful Again!”
The former president positioned the court fight as part of a larger battle for America’s future. To Trump and his allies, tariffs are not just about trade; they are about national sovereignty, economic independence, and the revival of American industry.
The Road Ahead
For now, the ruling leaves the United States in a state of uncertainty. Businesses must continue operating under the existing tariff system while waiting to see whether the Supreme Court agrees to take up the case. Global markets are also bracing for further turbulence, with fears that the ongoing trade war could expand, pushing prices higher and potentially disrupting fragile supply chains.
What happens next could shape the course of U.S. trade policy for years to come. If the Supreme Court strikes down the tariffs, it would deal a devastating blow to Trump’s vision of economic nationalism. If the tariffs are upheld, Trump will have secured a powerful tool to wield in trade negotiations—one that could redefine America’s role in the global economy.
