A federal court has blocked the majority of President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs, ruling that he exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The U.S. Court of International Trade determined that imposing broad, retaliatory tariffs without a legitimate emergency did not meet legal thresholds and that such decisions rest with Congress.
The Liberty Justice Center brought the lawsuit on behalf of five small businesses affected by the tariffs. The court found that the president’s assertion of tariff-making authority, unbounded by any limitation in duration or scope, exceeded any tariff authority delegated under IEEPA. The ruling invalidated tariffs that had imposed a 10% baseline rate on imports, with additional rates targeting countries like Canada, China, and Mexico.
The Trump administration argued that the tariffs were necessary to address America’s trade deficits and revive domestic manufacturing. White House spokesperson Kush Desai stated that the U.S.’s trade deficits constitute a national emergency “that has decimated American communities, left our workers behind, and weakened our defense industrial base.” He added, “It is not for unelected judges to decide how to properly address a national emergency.”
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, whose state was among those challenging the tariffs, praised the ruling, stating, “This ruling reaffirms that our laws matter, and that trade decisions can’t be made on the president’s whim.”
While most tariffs were revoked, others on imported autos, steel, and aluminum under Section 232 remain in effect. The administration has filed a notice of appeal, potentially escalating the case to the Supreme Court.
