Major setback for Trump from US Supreme Court, tariffs declared illegal; says President lacks authority

New York (The Uttam Hindu): In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of the United States on Friday struck down tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, declaring them unlawful. The tariffs had been introduced under an emergency powers law. The court ruled that the US President does not have unilateral authority to impose such tariffs on other countries.

The decision is being viewed as a major setback to Trump’s economic policies. According to Associated Press, the case represents the first major element of Trump’s policy agenda to reach the nation’s highest court.

In April 2025, Trump had imposed heavy tariffs on goods imported from several countries, citing national security concerns. Tariffs are essentially higher taxes levied on imported goods to make them more expensive, thereby encouraging domestic production and benefiting local industries.

Trump has claimed that these tariffs generated more than $600 billion in revenue for the United States. According to him, the move strengthened the American economy and reduced dependence on foreign nations, justifying their linkage to national security. However, the Supreme Court’s ruling has now invalidated those measures, raising significant legal and political questions about executive powers over trade policy.