WASHINGTON: The Supreme Court of the United States has ruled that President Donald Trump violated federal law by unilaterally imposing sweeping global tariffs.
The ruling, delivered in a closely watched case, stated that Trump exceeded his authority when he introduced wide-ranging tariffs that significantly impacted global trade flows.
The Court concluded that such broad economic measures required explicit approval from Congress, rather than sole executive action.
In this regard, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not grant the president unrestricted authority to impose tariffs.
The law provides emergency economic powers, it does not extend to the kind of expansive tariff regime enacted during Trump’s tenure.
The decision also carries international implications. Reacting to the development, the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, indicated that the European Union must remain prepared to respond firmly to trade actions perceived as unilateral or inconsistent with global trade norms.
The case further revives debate over the constitutional balance of power between the White House and Congress in matters of trade and economic policy.
Trump had also warned of imposing 100 percent tariffs on Canada if it proceeded with certain trade arrangements with China, underlining his aggressive trade posture.
