The court ruled that Trump exceeded federal law by unilaterally imposing worldwide tariffs, curbing major executive trade authority. In a 6-3 decision, the court said Trump lacked explicit congressional approval to impose the sweeping tariffs, a major legal setback.
Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, said the President had violated his authority under federal law.
“The President claims extraordinary power to unilaterally impose tariffs of unlimited amount, duration, and scope,” Roberts wrote. “
“The President claims extraordinary power to unilaterally impose tariffs of unlimited amount, duration, and scope,” Roberts wrote for the court.
“In light of the breadth, history, and constitutional context of that authority, it must identify clear congressional authority to exercise it.” The court concluded that the emergency authority Trump relied on to justify the tariffs “fell short.”