Kathleen Claussen

Kathleen Clausen, a law professor at Georgetown and former trade lawyer, joins to discuss the controversial tariffs imposed by Trump. She examines the unusual legal theory underpinning these tariffs, which hinges on declaring national emergencies. Clausen explains the vital role of Congress in regulating tariffs and how the International Emergency Economic Powers Act is being used in unprecedented ways. The conversation also covers the ongoing legal challenges against these tariffs and what they mean for the future of trade law.

Kathleen Claussen, a Georgetown law professor specializing in international economic law, joins Peter Harrell, a contributing editor and senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment, to navigate the tumultuous world of presidential tariffs. They delve into the legal frameworks that underlie Trump’s tariff strategies, particularly the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The discussion highlights shifts in U.S. trade policy, potential judicial challenges, and the implications for global relations, making it clear that the future of American trade is anything but certain.

In this discussion, Peter Harrell, a trade policy expert, analyzes the implications of President Trump's tariffs while Georgetown Law professors Marty Lederman and Kathleen Claussen provide insights on the Supreme Court's oral arguments. They explore the skepticism from conservative justices about the IEPA's authority, debate the regulatory versus revenue nature of tariffs, and unpack potential limits on executive power. The conversation also touches on the major questions doctrine and the practicalities following a court loss, all while pondering the likelihood of a narrow ruling.