Donald Trump reacts after the U.S. government calls his tariffs illegal. Read his strong response and what it means for trade policies.
Introduction
A major blow to U.S. trade policy: a federal appeals court has ruled that most of President Trump’s sweeping tariffs are illegal under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The 7–4 decision marks a significant check on executive power, though the tariffs remain in effect temporarily as the administration prepares to appeal. Trump’s immediate response was defiant—ordering that “All tariffs are still in effect!” and warning that removing them would “destroy the country.”
For related insights on Trump’s tariff controversies and diplomatic fallout, see:
- “Trump Tariffs Will Make Us Rich – Court Declares Them Illegal”
- “Trump Cancels India Quad Summit Visit”
1. What Did the Court Rule?
1.1 Overshooting Presidential Authority
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled that President Trump exceeded his authority by invoking the IEEPA—originally meant to impose sanctions during emergencies—to enact broad tariffs. The judges concluded that IEEPA does not grant the power to impose taxes or duties. They stressed that such powers lie exclusively with Congress, and the tariffs enacted were “unbounded in scope, amount, and duration.”
The ruling notably draws a red line between emergency sanctions and broad economic policy measures—highlighting that “tariffs are a core Congressional power.”
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1.2 Stay Granted, Appeal Pending
The court delayed enforcement of its ruling until October 14, 2025, enabling the Trump administration time to escalate the matter to the U.S. Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the tariffs remain legally intact.
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2. Trump’s Reaction: “All Tariffs Are Still in Effect!”
2.1 Strong Language on Truth Social
Trump posted a forceful message on his platform:
“ALL TARIFFS ARE STILL IN EFFECT! Today a Highly Partisan Appeals Court incorrectly said that our Tariffs should be removed…”
He went on:
“If these Tariffs ever went away, it would be a total disaster for the Country.… This Decision would literally destroy the United States of America.”
Trump framed his tariffs as essential to shoring up domestic manufacturing, agriculture, and economic strength.
He labeled the court “highly partisan” and predicted reversal at the Supreme Court.
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3. Legal Context & Broader Implications
3.1 A Pattern of Judicial Pushback
Earlier, the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled similarly—in V.O.S. Selections v. United States—that tariffs imposed via IEEPA were invalid, citing lack of congressional backing. The Federal Circuit’s ruling now affirms this basic principle across judicial levels.
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3.2 Non-Delegation & Major Questions Doctrine
Legal experts view the court’s decision as applying the major questions doctrine, which limits executive action on matters of vast political and economic significance unless Congress clearly authorized it.
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3.3 Supremacy, Pending Decision
With the Trump administration preparing to appeal, the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to determine the ultimate scope of presidential authority under IEEPA—decisions that may define separation of powers boundaries for years to come.
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4. Economic Ripples and Trade Strategy Fallout
4.1 Market Uncertainty
Even with tariffs temporarily enjoined, businesses face volatility—planning for either persistence or abrupt elimination. Analysts warn of market disruptions and possible inflationary spikes if tariffs are reversed.
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4.2 International Tension
The tariffs had fueled global backlash, particularly from trading partners like India, the EU, and China. A ruling against them may ease some tensions or require renegotiations—depending on the eventual outcome.
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5. Summary Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Decision | 7–4 ruling: Most Trump tariffs illegal under IEEPA |
| Reasoning | Executive lacks authority; tariffs must be enacted by Congress |
| Stay in Effect | Tariffs remain until Oct 14, 2025 |
| Trump’s Reaction | Claims “partisan court,” vows Supreme Court appeal, insists tariffs stay |
| Next Steps | Await Supreme Court ruling; markets and international relations in flux |
Conclusion
The federal appeals court’s ruling is both a legal and political moment—rebuking an expansive use of emergency powers while setting up a potentially decisive Supreme Court test on the reach of the executive branch. For now, tariffs hang in limbo: still operating, but on shaky legal ground.
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