US Appeals Court Rules Many of Trump’s Global Tariffs Illegal — What It Means
Date: August 30, 2025
Headline Insight
A U.S. federal appeals court has ruled that most of former President Donald Trump’s global tariffs are illegal, citing that his invocation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) exceeded the boundaries of presidential authority (The Guardian, The Economic Times, MarketWatch).
The Ruling Unpacked
- The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upheld the earlier decision by the Court of International Trade. Confirming Trump overstepped his powers under IEEPA by imposing sweeping, untargeted tariffs without clear congressional authorization .
- The court noted that while narrower, sector-specific tariffs remain legal, broad global tariffs imposed under emergency powers are not justified .
- The decision highlighted the “major questions doctrine,” emphasizing Congress must explicitly authorize actions of significant economic or political consequence (Business Standard, ICIS Explore).
What Happens Next
- Tariffs stay in place until October 14, 2025, to allow time for the administration to appeal to the Supreme Court .
- Trump slammed the court’s ruling as a “total disaster” and “highly partisan,” vowing to continue the fight, asserting the tariffs are vital to national and economic security (The Guardian, New York Post, Investors).
Why It Matters
- Constitutional Authority: The decision reaffirms that only Congress—not the president—can levy taxes and broad tariffs (Business Standard, ICIS Explore).
- Presidential Limits: It sets a precedent restricting future presidents’ use of IEEPA or emergency powers for economic measures beyond traditionally accepted actions like sanctions or asset freezes (Al Jazeera, ICIS Explore).
- Economic & Political Impact: Lifting tariffs could lead to refund debates, financial repercussions, and strained diplomatic relations. It also reshapes how U.S. trade strategy and executive authority will be challenged and constrained going forward (Business Standard, Investors, The Economic Times, New York Post).
Friendly Key Phrases
- “Trump global tariffs ruled illegal”
- “IEEPA exceeded authority ruling”
- “Trump tariffs Supreme Court appeal”
- “Limits on presidential trade power”
- “October 14 tariff deadline”
