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The President also reiterated that tariffs play a crucial role in supporting American labour and manufacturing.
Friday’s decision does not affect other tariffs enacted under different legal frameworks (File Photo)
US President Donald Trump on Saturday defended his tariff policies in a post on Truth Social, a day after a federal appeals court ruled that he had misused his authority by imposing certain tariffs under an emergency-powers statute. The court’s decision, reported by Reuters, reignited debate over the limits of presidential power in trade policy and prompted swift reactions from Trump and the White House.
“All tariffs are still in effect!” Trump wrote in the post, reaffirming his administration’s hardline stance on trade. “US will no longer tolerate enormous trade deficits and unfair tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers imposed by other countries, friend or foe.” He further claimed that removing the tariffs would be a “disaster” for the US, arguing it would weaken the nation financially.
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The President also reiterated that tariffs play a crucial role in supporting American labour and manufacturing. “For many years, Tariffs were allowed to be used against us by our uncaring and unwise politicians,” Trump added. He criticised past administrations for allowing foreign countries to benefit at the expense of American workers and reaffirmed his belief that the court would ultimately recognise the economic advantages of the tariff policies.
Trump’s post was issued in response to Friday’s ruling by the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, which concluded that Trump had overstepped his authority. The judges stated that only Congress holds the constitutional power to impose taxes, including tariffs. “The core Congressional power to impose taxes such as tariffs is vested exclusively in the legislative branch by the Constitution,” the ruling, signed by seven judges, stated.
Despite the court’s finding of presidential overreach, the panel allowed the tariffs to remain in effect while the legal case proceeds. The ruling specifically challenges two sets of tariffs implemented by Trump. The first is a series of “reciprocal” tariffs imposed on a country-by-country basis. The second involves targeted tariffs on certain goods from China, Canada, and Mexico, which the Trump administration claimed were necessary due to those countries’ alleged failures to stop the flow of fentanyl into the US.
Importantly, Friday’s decision does not affect other tariffs enacted under different legal frameworks, such as those on steel and aluminium imported from global trading partners. These measures were enacted under provisions of the Trade Act of 1974 and the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.
Responding to the court’s decision, White House spokesman Kush Desai issued a statement defending Trump’s actions. “President Trump lawfully exercised the tariff powers granted to him by Congress to defend our national and economic security from foreign threats,” Desai said. “The President’s tariffs remain in effect, and we look forward to ultimate victory on this matter.”
The administration is expected to challenge the ruling by taking the case to the US Supreme Court. The current makeup of the Court includes six conservative justices and three liberals, with three of the conservatives having been nominated by Trump himself, potentially boosting the administration’s hopes for a favourable outcome.
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Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
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