U.S. Supreme Court strikes down Trump tariffs; rules 6-3 that the tariffs exceeded the law

In a major setback to US President Donald Trump, the US Supreme Court today ruled that the unilateral imposition of tariffs on multiple nations without Congressional ratification violated federal law.

This comes as a major legal setback to Trump’s aggressive trade policies, which he adopted ever since taking over as US president for second term last year.

Congressional ratification to tariffs a must: US Supreme Court

Chief Justice John Roberts issued the majority opinion, and the court agreed 6-3 that the tariffs exceeded the law. “The President asserts the extraordinary power to unilaterally impose tariffs of unlimited amount, duration, and scope," Roberts wrote.

“In light of the breadth, history, and constitutional context of that asserted authority, he must identify clear Congressional authorisation to exercise it," the Chief Justice added. The court ruled that the emergency authority which Trump took recourse to “fell short" of authorising him to impose tariffs.

The case -- ‘Learning Resources v. Trump’, and ‘Trump v. V.O.S. Selections, Inc.’ – was filed in the US Supreme court last year in the wake of the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. The US Supreme Court deliberated on whether the Trump administration had the authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to announce various tariffs via executive orders.

On April 2, 2025, Donald Trump signed the ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs, issuing the Executive Order 14257, imposing tariffs on every trading partner across the globe. The Trump regime argued that the measures were paramount to insulate the US economy and jobs, and address persistent trade issues.

It may be noted that the unilateral tariffs faced backlash and strong criticism in the US, particularly from Democrats. They arugued that Trump had no authority to impose tariffs, as it is traditionally reserved for Congress under the US Constitution -- a view that the US Supreme Court finally upheld. Ahead of today's judgement, several lower courts ruled that the tariffs exceeded presidential authority.

It may be noted that the US and India earlier this month announced a trade deal. Both the sides are scheduled to meet next week to finalise the agreement.