

Duties bound: a Trump-tariff smackdown
4 snips May 29, 2025
Rachna Shanbhog, Business Affairs Editor at The Economist, joins Henry Tricks, U.S. Technology Editor, and Sue-Lin Wong, Asia Correspondent, for a lively discussion. They dissect a recent court ruling against Trump's tariffs, exploring its implications for trade negotiations and executive power. The conversation shifts to AI, revealing a backdrop of excitement mixed with disillusionment as companies grapple with operational challenges. They also delve into Xi Jinping's father's legacy, shedding light on the Chinese leader's character and motivations.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Court Rules Trump Tariffs Illegal
- Trump's fentanyl and Liberation Day tariffs were ruled executive overreach and deemed illegal by the US Court of International Trade.
- Tariffs were used as leverage but lacked direct legal grounding and constitutional authority.
Legal Limits on Presidential Tariffs
- The court found Trump's tariffs lacked a direct link to the stated emergencies and violated the major questions doctrine.
- This doctrine restricts presidential power on sweeping significant economic actions without clear congressional authorization.
White House Appeals; Limited Tariff Options
- The White House quickly appealed the ruling, asserting that dealing with national emergencies is executive prerogative.
- Future tariff moves will rely on more limited legislation, reducing presidential tariff authority.