U.S. Court Rules Trump’s Tariffs Illegal, Striking at Protectionist Strategy

A federal appeals court has declared former President Donald Trump's signature tariffs unlawful, dealing a blow to his protectionist economic agenda. The ruling challenges the constitutional authority of presidents to unilaterally impose trade taxes, a power the court affirmed resides solely with Congress.

The decision undermines a key pillar of Trump's political narrative—positioning tariffs as an economic shield for American workers. His administration had applied the surcharges broadly and indefinitely, which the court found exceeded executive authority. International trade tribunals had previously flagged this overreach.

Trump has denounced the ruling as politically motivated, vowing to appeal to a Supreme Court whose composition he influenced during his presidency. The outcome could determine the future of U.S. trade policy amid ongoing economic uncertainty and global tensions.