US President Donald Trump on Saturday pushed back against a ruling by a US Appeals Court that declared most of his tariffs unlawful. The President insisted that his tariff policy remains fully in place and made it clear that he will fight the matter in the Supreme Court.
His response came soon after the court’s decision delivered a serious blow to one of his most important economic policies. While the judges struck down a majority of the tariffs, they also allowed them to remain valid until October 14, giving Trump’s team time to challenge the ruling at the highest court.
Trump says tariffs are still working
In a lengthy statement on his Truth Social account, Trump noted that his tariffs have not been removed. “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 declared.
He warned that taking away the tariffs would cause deep financial harm to the country, making it weaker in the global economy. According to Trump, America cannot continue to live with “enormous trade deficits” and unfair restrictions imposed by other countries. He argued that his policies shield American farmers, manufacturers and workers from being undermined by global competition.
Tariffs as a tool to protect America
Trump also linked the issue to the Labor Day weekend, saying the occasion should remind people of the importance of supporting American workers and companies. He described tariffs as the strongest weapon to encourage products “Made in America” and to restore the nation’s financial strength.
“For many years, Tariffs were allowed to be used against us by our uncaring and unwise Politicians. 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!” Trump added.
What the Court said
The ruling came from the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, DC. The court found that Trump had overstepped his authority by using emergency powers to impose certain tariffs. The judges noted that while the president does have significant power under emergency laws, this power does not include the right to levy tariffs or taxes.
“The statute bestows significant authority on the President to undertake a number of actions in response to a declared national emergency, but none of these actions explicitly include the power to impose tariffs, duties, or the like, or the power to tax,” the order stated, according to Reuters.
The ruling specifically struck down Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs that were introduced in April during his trade war, along with a separate set of tariffs announced in February against China, Canada, and Mexico. However, other tariffs remain unaffected. The levies on steel and aluminum, which were imposed under different laws, will continue to stay in place.
Who challenged the tariffs?
The case reached the court through two lawsuits. The first was filed by five small American businesses who argued that the tariffs made it difficult for them to operate. The second was brought forward by 12 states led by Democrats, who argued that Trump had misused the law.