President Donald Trump unleashed a scathing attack on a federal appeals court ruling that declared most of his administration’s tariffs illegal, warning that their removal would spell disaster for the United States. In a fiery post on Truth Social, Trump claimed that without the tariffs, which he says have brought “TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS” into the country, the U.S. would be “completely destroyed” and its military power “instantly obliterated.” The statement follows a 7-4 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on Friday, which struck down the tariffs as an overreach of executive power.
The court’s ruling, which upheld a lower court’s decision, centered on Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose sweeping tariffs on imports from numerous countries. The judges argued that the IEEPA, a 1977 law designed to address national emergencies, does not grant the president authority to levy tariffs, a power constitutionally reserved for Congress. This marks a significant blow to Trump’s trade policy, which has relied heavily on tariffs to renegotiate trade deals and address issues like trade deficits and drug trafficking. The decision specifically targeted tariffs imposed on April 2, dubbed “Liberation Day” by Trump, as well as additional levies on China, Canada, and Mexico tied to fentanyl concerns.
Trump didn’t hold back in his criticism, labeling the majority judges a “Radical Left group” and accusing them of undermining the nation’s economic and military strength. However, he singled out one dissenting judge, an Obama appointee, for praise, thanking him for his “courage” and claiming he “loves and respects the USA.” The president’s rhetoric underscores his belief that tariffs are critical to protecting American workers, manufacturers, and national security, despite critics arguing they raise costs for consumers and businesses. The ruling has sparked a broader debate about the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches, with some seeing it as a necessary check on presidential authority.
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Despite the court’s decision, the tariffs remain in effect until October 14, 2025, giving the Trump administration time to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. Trump expressed confidence in overturning the ruling, insisting in a Friday Truth Social post that “the United States of America will win in the end.” He warned that removing the tariffs would lead to financial weakness and a “total disaster” for the country, emphasizing their role in addressing trade imbalances and supporting domestic industries. The temporary stay has kept the effective U.S. tariff rate at around 15%, significantly higher than the 2-3% before Trump’s second term began.
The legal battle stems from lawsuits filed by Democratic-led states and small businesses, who argued that the tariffs, covering about 69% of U.S. imports, were unlawful and economically damaging. The Liberty Justice Center, representing small businesses, highlighted the “irreparable harm” caused by disrupted supply chains and increased costs. Meanwhile, Trump’s trade adviser, Peter Navarro, called the ruling judges “politicians in black robes” and expressed optimism about a Supreme Court reversal, citing the dissenting opinions as a “road map” for victory. As the case heads toward a potential Supreme Court showdown, the future of Trump’s tariff strategy—and its impact on global trade—hangs in the balance.
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