Federal Court Blocks Trump’s Tariffs, Appeals Process Underway

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A federal court blocked President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs on imports on Wednesday, stating that emergency laws invoked by his administration do not grant him unilateral authority to impose such levies. The ruling gives Congress exclusive powers to regulate trade with other nations, a power that Trump cannot override.

On May 28, the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled in favor of a coalition of 12 state governments and the Liberty Justice Center, which represents small businesses affected by the tariffs. The court determined that the tariffs imposed were unlawful and exceeded the authority granted to the President under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

One of the plaintiffs, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, commented, “This ruling is a victory not just for Oregon, but for working families, small businesses, and everyday Americans.” He emphasized the tariffs triggered retaliatory measures, inflated prices on essential goods, and unfairly burdened American families.

In response to the ruling, the Trump administration was granted a temporary reprieve as a federal appeals court allowed the collection of tariffs to continue while the legal fight unfolds. The White House stated it would appeal the lower court’s decision, arguing that an injunction against the tariffs could create a “foreign policy disaster scenario.”

The court’s ruling comes amid rising frustrations from small business owners like Sarah Wells, who runs a company selling maternity accessories. She expressed relief over the ruling but remains uncertain about the future due to ongoing appeals. “I’m hopeful that by the fall, cooler heads can work towards a resolution,” Wells said.

Among businesses affected, another plaintiff, Victor Schwartz from VOS Selections, called the ruling a “win” for small businesses, asserting that Trump’s tariffs could “threaten to unravel everything VOS has spent a generation building.”

The latest court decision reflects significant pushback against Trump’s tariffs, which have drawn criticism from both liberal and conservative groups. The legal challenges are set to continue, with potential ramifications for U.S. businesses and the economy as a whole.

As the appeals process unfolds, it remains unclear how this will impact future tariffs or trade agreements. The courts have seemingly matched the ongoing struggle between executive power and legislative authority concerning trade decisions.