President Donald Trump faced a major legal setback after a federal appeals court ruled that most of his sweeping import tariffs were unconstitutional. The court determined that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not give the president unilateral authority to impose broad trade duties without congressional approval.
The ruling, decided by a 7–4 vote, challenges one of Trump’s signature economic tools, which he has repeatedly defended as essential to protecting American jobs and industries. Despite the decision, the tariffs will remain in place until October 14, giving the administration time to file an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court.
Trump swiftly responded, blasting the court’s judgment as politically motivated and warning that removing the tariffs would weaken America’s trade position. The White House confirmed that it will fight the ruling, signaling a legal showdown that could redefine presidential authority over trade and emergency powers.