Court ruling on tariffs a blow to US administration

Asthe US Supreme Court prepares to review the legality of the White House’ flagship “reciprocal tariff program” next month, the incumbent administration faces mounting troubles both at home and abroad.

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A ruling by the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in late August found that the tariff program exceeded presidential authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act ~ a decision that, despite being temporarily stayed, has cast serious doubt on the administration's trade agenda.

Introduced earlier this year (hailed as “Liberation Day” tariffs), the program has ignited protests across the country and prompted at least 12 US states and many small businesses to file lawsuits against it. The Supreme Court is expected to hear the case in November.

Nevertheless, the ruling delivers a blow to the incumbent administration. Since taking office in January, it has repeatedly expanded the use of executive power while sidestepping checks and balances, a trend now directly challenged by the judiciary.