Court Reviews Trump Tariff Powers Under IEEPA

President Donald Trump's global tariffs, imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), are being challenged in court over whether the law grants the president authority to levy tariffs without congressional approval. Judges on the appellate panel questioned if IEEPA, historically used to freeze assets during emergencies, allows such broad tariff actions. Plaintiffs—including small businesses, state attorneys general, and importers—argue the tariffs exceed the law's intended scope, while the administration cites the law's language on import regulation and claims the tariffs have strengthened U.S. negotiating leverage. Countries like Australia and Lesotho, as well as various industries, report economic uncertainty and hardship due to the tariffs. The tariffs remain in effect during the appeals process, which is expected to reach the Supreme Court. The outcome could reshape presidential powers over trade and have significant economic consequences.