WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court of the United States appeared highly skeptical Wednesday as it heard arguments on the legality of President Trump’s sweeping global tariffs, a central pillar of his trade agenda.
Over two and a half hours, justices aggressively questioned both government lawyers defending the tariffs and the attorneys representing states and small businesses challenging them. At issue is whether Trump lawfully invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose broad import-tax measures without explicit Congressional approval.
Several justices raised pointed concerns. For example, Neil Gorsuch asked why the statute would permit the president to shut down all trade but not levy a 1 percent tariff, calling it “an odd doughnut hole”. Meanwhile, Amy Coney Barrett pressed challengers on how businesses would be refunded if the tariffs are overturned.
Beyond the legal minutiae, the case carries enormous economic weight: the ruling could reshape U.S. trade policy, impact inflation, and signal how far executive power extends in economic emergencies. With conservative-leaning justices questioning the broad scope of the president’s tariff authority, analysts suggest the court may curb at least parts of the programme. A decision could come months from now — but the tone set Wednesday suggests major limits on the use of emergency powers for economic policy may be on the horizon.
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