In a 6–3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that Trump exceeded his powers.
By Robert Hill
In a 6–3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that Trump exceeded his powers under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The administration had used the act to justify tariffs on goods from almost every country. The court’s decision created a legal setback for the White House and opened the possibility for billions of dollars in refunds to businesses and U.S. states that challenged the policy.
Trump responded to the ruling by calling it “terrible” and accusing the justices who voted against the policy of being “fools.” Despite the decision, Trump indicated that he would turn to alternative legal authorities to continue pursuing his tariff agenda.
Several U.S. states have responded by requesting refunds following the Supreme Court’s decision.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker wrote a letter to the Trump administration demanding more than $8 billion in refunds for the state. In the letter, he outlined the exact amount he believes should be repaid.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has also called for a tariff refund. During Trump’s second term, California has been one of the administration’s most vocal critics and has filed lawsuits challenging federal policies and tariffs.
Since the ruling, businesses and states may pursue refunds for previously collected tariffs from the Trump administration, however the process could take a while. The Supreme Court stated that Congress had not granted the president open-ended authority to impose tariffs and emphasized that, when Congress delegates tariff powers, it does so under explicit terms and strict limits.
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Source: Black Enterprise
