Reuters World News Trump's tariffs on trial at the Supreme Court
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Nov 3, 2025 David Lauder, a Reuters correspondent covering U.S. policy and legal matters, gives an insightful overview of the Supreme Court's hearing on Trump's trade tariffs. He dives into the legal challenge surrounding the use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act for tariffs. Lauder also discusses the impact of the tariffs on small businesses and outlines possible alternative legal strategies if the court rules against Trump. The conversation expands to include the geopolitical implications of these tariffs and recent U.S. military discussions regarding Nigeria.
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Legal Test Of Tariff Authority
- The Supreme Court will decide if Trump lawfully used the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs.
- A loss could force the administration to use older tariff laws or new legal workarounds to keep measures in place.
Tariff Workarounds Exist
- Even if the court rules against Trump, the administration has alternative statutes to impose tariffs.
- Potential backups include a 1974 law allowing temporary 15% tariffs and a 1930 law permitting up to 50% tariffs for discrimination.
Tariffs As Geopolitical Tool
- Tariffs are central to Trump's geopolitical toolkit, used to pressure countries for trade or political concessions.
- That centrality makes the court's ruling pivotal for U.S. leverage in international relations.