Appeals court reinstates Trump’s tariffs for now after ruling blocking them
The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has issued an administrative stay of a decision that blocked President Donald Trump’s tariffs, reinstating them temporarily while they consider Trump’s appeal. This decision comes after a three-judge panel struck down Trump’s global tariffs as “contrary to law” earlier in the week.
The judges found that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which Trump used to enact his tariffs, does not give him unlimited power to levy tariffs without limitations. They stated that Congress, not the president, has the authority to impose tariffs under most circumstances, and Trump’s tariffs do not meet the limited condition of an “unusual and extraordinary threat” that would allow him to act alone.
In a separate ruling, U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras determined that Trump’s tariffs were “unlawful” under the International Economic Emergency Economic Powers Act. The judge’s decision only restricts the Trump administration’s ability to collect tariffs from the two companies that filed the lawsuit, Learning Resources, Inc., and hand2mind, Inc.
The Department of Justice has requested a stay of the ruling, citing potential harm to United States foreign policy and national security. They argue that enforcing the ruling could strip the president of leverage in trade negotiations, imperil existing trade deals, and make the country vulnerable to exploitation by other nations.
White House spokesman Kush Desai responded to the ruling by stating that it is not for unelected judges to decide how to address a national emergency. The administration is committed to using every lever of executive power to address the crisis.
The case now moves to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, where the administration may request a stay of the order. The ruling comes after a group of small businesses and 12 Democratic attorneys general challenged Trump’s ability to impose tariffs without congressional approval.
Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford praised the decision, calling it a win for the rule of law and for Nevadans’ pocketbooks. New York Attorney General Letitia James also welcomed the ruling, stating that it is a major victory for upholding the law and protecting American jobs and the economy.
Since Trump announced sweeping tariffs on over 50 countries in April, his administration has faced multiple lawsuits challenging his authority to impose tariffs unilaterally. The decision marks the first time a federal court has ruled on the legality of Trump’s tariffs, signaling a potential shift in the administration’s trade policies.
