A US appeals court has struck down most tariffs imposed under former President Donald Trump.
Judges ruled the duties exceeded presidential powers, stressing tariff-setting authority belongs solely to Congress.
A US federal appeals court has invalidated the bulk of tariffs introduced under former President Donald Trump, ruling that they exceeded his constitutional authority.
In a 7–4 decision, the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit dismissed Trump’s reliance on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), stating the law does not empower presidents to unilaterally impose tariffs. The judges stressed that tariff-setting is a responsibility reserved for Congress and declared Trump’s measures “contrary to law.”
The ruling strikes down Trump’s broad “reciprocal” tariffs, which targeted numerous countries including China, Mexico, and Canada though it leaves intact levies imposed through other channels, such as those covering steel and aluminum imports.
The case arose after small businesses and state governments challenged Trump’s 2024 executive orders, which had enforced a baseline 10% tariff on nearly all imports, along with additional retaliatory duties. While the Court of International Trade had earlier blocked the tariffs, its ruling was paused pending this appeal.
Trump denounced the judgment in a post on Truth Social, describing the court as “partisan” and warning that scrapping the tariffs would “destroy the United States.” He insisted the measures were vital for safeguarding the economy and national security.
Government lawyers similarly cautioned that removing the tariffs could trigger a financial collapse reminiscent of the Great Depression, arguing the duties were necessary to protect US strategic interests.
The decision, which is set to take effect on October 14 unless overturned, is expected to head to the Supreme Court. Legal experts say the case could become a landmark test of presidential authority, particularly as the high court has recently limited the scope of executive power in several rulings. With six Republican-appointed justices three nominated by Trump himself the outcome could reshape how far presidents may go in wielding control over US trade policy.
