All In with Chris Hayes Trump tariffs found illegal by U.S. appeals court
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Aug 29, 2025 A federal appeals court recently ruled that Trump's tariffs were illegal, stirring debate about executive power versus congressional authority. The ruling could lead to a Supreme Court showdown. The hosts discuss the fallout for American businesses and the ongoing struggles post-COVID-19. They also highlight bipartisan efforts to regain control over trade policies and the dire implications of unilateral executive actions on public health decisions. The conversation touches on the intersection of politics with themes like fascism and the simplification of complex issues.
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Court Reaffirms Congressional Tariff Power
- The federal appeals court ruled Trump's broad tariffs unlawful because the Constitution vests tariff authority in Congress.
- The decision treats the 1977 emergency statute as not clearly authorizing these sweeping, indefinite tariffs.
Scope Of Tariffs Was Unprecedented
- The appellate court highlighted that the executive orders imposed unlimited-duration tariffs on nearly all goods worldwide.
- Judges worried such sweeping unilateral authority is incompatible with constitutional separation of powers.
1977 Law Doesn't Cover Tariffs
- The administration relied on a 1977 law meant for emergency economic sanctions, not tariffs.
- Courts found that law does not mention tariffs and no prior president treated it as tariff authority.
