Washington, Feb. 20 (SANA) – The US Supreme Court has ruled that President Donald Trump overstepped his authority when he imposed wide-ranging tariffs that shook global trade, curbing one of the main levers he used to drive his economic agenda.
In a 6–3 decision, the court found that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not give the president a blank check to slap tariffs on foreign partners, and said such powers must be clearly granted by Congress.
Trump blasted the ruling as a “disgrace,” arguing it undermines his trade policy. US media reported he has discussed a possible alternative tool to replace the struck-down measures, without disclosing details.
Tariffs have been central to Trump’s strategy, especially since returning to the White House last year, when he moved against most major US trading partners, including China, Canada and Mexico, citing unfair practices and concerns over migration and drugs.
The judgment confirms earlier lower-court findings that his use of emergency economic powers to impose blanket tariffs was unlawful. Some of those duties had already been frozen while appeals played out.
Key US allies reacted cautiously. The European Union said it is studying the ruling and consulting Washington, while Canada said the decision supports its view that Trump’s tariffs were unjustified. Britain signaled it will work with the US on next steps.
The ruling does not touch separate, sector-focused tariffs Trump imposed on products such as steel and aluminum, which remain in place and could still expand following ongoing investigations.
