US Supreme Court rule against Trump’s global tariffs
The high court ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act 'does not authorise the President to impose tariffs'
Rhiannon Ingle
The United States Supreme Court has ruled against President Donald Trump's global tariffs.
In its decision, the US Supreme Court stated that Trump overstepped his authority by introducing broad tariffs under legislation intended for use during a national emergency.
The justices find that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not grant the president the power to impose tariffs, which are taxes placed on goods that are imported into a country.
The Supreme Court struck down Trump’s tariffs by a 6-3 majority.
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Liberal justices Ketanji Brown Jackson, Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor sided with conservative colleagues Amy Coney Barrett, Neil Gorsuch and John Roberts to overturn the measures. Justices Brett Kavanaugh, Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas dissented.
Trump repeatedly referred to tariffs during an event in the US state of Georgia on Thursday afternoon (19 February).
The 79-year-old Republican claimed that without tariffs, 'everybody would be bankrupt'.
He insisted it was his 'right' to set tariffs because he is president, and that the 'language was clear'.
The president also complained about having to 'wait for this decision' from the Supreme Court.
"I've been waiting forever. Forever," he said.
Anthony Zurcher, the BBC's North America correspondent, has explained: "The court’s decision represents a rare check on this president’s broad use of executive authority.
A majority of the justices over the past year have shown a willingness to allow Trump to press ahead with his agenda, particularly on immigration and reshaping the federal government, even as legal challenges work their way through the court system.
"This case, considered on an expedited basis, slams the door on one such expansive use of presidential authority."
Back in April of last year, Trump rolled out tariffs on imports from almost every country, arguing that the move would lift government tax revenue, push shoppers towards American-made products and drive investment back into the US.
Many critics, however, pointed to tariffs as a cause for rising prices and strain on the global economy.
The UK government is currently working with the US to understand how the overturning of Trump’s tariffs will affect the UK but expects 'our privileged trading position with the US to continue', a spokesman has said, via PA.
Tyla has reached out to the White House for comment.