Tezzbuzz Desk- The Supreme Court of the United States has given a major decision on President Donald Trump’s global tariffs, saying that imposing comprehensive import duties using national emergency legislation is a violation of constitutional rights. The court clarified that the power to impose tariffs rests with Congress under the US Constitution, not the President.
The case began when the Trump administration imposed massive tariffs on goods imported from several countries under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977. The administration argued that the growing trade deficit was a threat to America’s national security and economic stability, so it was necessary to declare it a “national emergency.”
However, the Supreme Court in its decision said that the purpose of IEEPA is mainly limited to measures like economic sanctions and freezing of assets. Imposing blanket tariffs under this law goes beyond its original intent.
During a hearing held on November 5 last year, judges from both the conservative and liberal camps of the court asked the government whether the trade deficit could be categorized as a national emergency. The judges expressed doubt about the logic of how a long-standing trade imbalance could suddenly become an emergency. The Trump administration had imposed retaliatory tariffs on almost all major trading partners in April 2025, declaring the trade deficit a national emergency. China, Canada and Mexico were prominent among them. The administration also cited trafficking in fentanyl and other illegal drugs as emergency grounds.
Many American companies and 12 states affected by these tariffs approached the court. He said that IEEPA does not explicitly permit the imposition of tariffs and that this authority rests only with Congress. Lower courts also held that the President excessively expanded emergency powers.
In his first term, Trump appointed three conservative judges to the Supreme Court, which changed the ideological direction of the court. Despite this, in this case the court, while setting limits on the powers of the executive, clearly indicated that the exercise of emergency powers cannot be unlimited.
This decision is not only considered a blow to Trump’s economic policies, but also sets an important legal precedent for future presidents. Now, if comprehensive tariffs are to be imposed, it will require the express approval of Congress.
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