The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on Friday ruled against President Donald Trump’s broad use of tariffs, saying his executive orders exceeded presidential authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
In a 7–4 decision, the court affirmed a lower court ruling that struck down five executive orders imposing tariffs on nearly all imports. “Because we agree that IEEPA’s grant of presidential authority to ‘regulate’ imports does not authorize the tariffs imposed by the Executive Orders, we affirm,” the opinion said.
Background on Tariff Orders
Trump had imposed tariffs of unlimited duration — including a 30% tariff on Chinese goods, a 25% tariff on selected imports from Mexico and Canada, and a 10% universal tariff on most other imports.
The Court of International Trade in New York ruled in May that these actions went beyond authority granted by IEEPA. Tariffs on autos, auto parts, steel, and aluminum — imposed separately under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act — remain unaffected.
Court Battle Timeline
Earlier this year, the appeals court temporarily reinstated Trump’s tariffs while the administration appealed. In June, the same court allowed the tariffs to remain in place pending further review. Oral arguments were heard on July 31.
Friday’s ruling ends that temporary reprieve, though the decision will not take effect until Oct. 14, giving the administration time to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Trump Responds
Trump blasted the ruling on Truth Social, calling the decision partisan.
“ALL TARIFFS ARE STILL IN EFFECT! Today a Highly Partisan Appeals Court incorrectly said that our Tariffs should be removed, but they know the United States of America will win in the end,” Trump wrote.
He warned that eliminating the tariffs would “literally destroy the United States of America” and vowed to take the case to the Supreme Court. Trump said tariffs remain the “best tool to help our Workers” and pledged to continue using them to protect American manufacturers and farmers.
What’s Next
The ruling sets up a likely appeal to the Supreme Court, which will decide whether Trump’s expansive interpretation of presidential tariff authority under IEEPA will stand.
Until then, Trump’s tariffs remain in place.
