US Court Rules Trump Tariffs Illegal, But Donald Trump Vows to Fight On

A US appeals court on Friday delivered a major blow to President Donald Trump’s signature economic policy, ruling that most of his tariffs are illegal. However, the President immediately lashed out at the decision, calling it “incorrect” and insisting the punitive levies will remain in place, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle at the Supreme Court.

In a fiery post on his Truth Social platform, Trump declared, “ALL TARIFFS ARE STILL IN EFFECT! Today a Highly Partisan Appeals Court incorrectly said that our Tariffs should be removed, but they know the United States of America will win in the end.” He warned that removing the tariffs would be a “total disaster for the Country” and would “literally destroy the United States of America,” vowing to fight the decision.

The ruling from the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit found that Trump had overstepped his authority by using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs. The court concluded that while the president has broad powers during a declared national emergency, these do not explicitly include the power to impose tariffs. The decision specifically targets the “reciprocal” tariffs introduced in April and a separate set of levies on China, Canada, and Mexico.

However, the ruling may not provide relief for India, which is currently facing a 50% tariff from the US. According to trade experts, the Trump administration used a “blended legal framework” to hit New Delhi, invoking other legal authorities in addition to the IEEPA. This legal layering was reportedly a preemptive safeguard to ensure the tough stance on India, particularly over its trade imbalances and Russian oil imports, could withstand judicial scrutiny. This means even if the reciprocal tariffs based on emergency powers are struck down, the duties on India, imposed under alternate laws, would likely remain intact.

Trump, linking his defiance to the upcoming Labor Day weekend, framed tariffs as a patriotic tool. “At the start of this Labor Day weekend, we should all remember that TARIFFS are the best tool to help our Workers, and support Companies that produce great MADE IN AMERICA products,” he wrote, before promising a fight to the highest court. “Now, with the help of the United States Supreme Court, we will use them to the benefit of our Nation, and Make America Rich, Strong, and Powerful Again!”