The Excerpt Are Trump's tariffs legal? The Supreme Court hears arguments
Nov 6, 2025
Join Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY's Supreme Court correspondent, as she breaks down the high-stakes legal battle over President Trump's tariffs. Discover why Trump’s invocation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act is unprecedented. Groppe analyzes the split decisions from lower courts, the Justice Department's defense, and the diverse challenges from small businesses. Explore the implications of this case for future presidential powers and the potential economic fallout if tariffs are struck down.
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Novel Use Of Emergency Law For Tariffs
- The case questions whether the president correctly interpreted an emergency law to impose broad tariffs.
- Maureen Groppe explains the law was never used before to impose tariffs and its scope is disputed.
IEEPA's Historical Uses Differ
- The International Emergency Economic Powers Act historically froze assets or imposed embargoes, not tariffs.
- Maureen Groppe notes President Carter used it during the Iranian hostage crisis to freeze assets.
Lower Courts Rejected Broad Authority
- Three lower courts ruled the president lacked authority under the law to impose sweeping tariffs.
- Appeals judges split seven-four and disagreed on whether any tariffs could be allowed under the statute.