United States: Supreme Court skeptical of tariffs imposed by Donald Trump

WASHINGTON.— The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday, November 5, expressed serious doubts about the legality of tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump as part of his trade policy. During a nearly three-hour hearing, several justices criticized the executive's use of the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to heavily tax imports, a power traditionally reserved for Congress.

The Chief Justice, John Roberts, reiterated that these tariffs amount to imposing taxes on Americans, emphasizing that this prerogative belongs to the legislative branch. Justice Sonia Sotomayor also challenged the government's justification that these were not taxes.

Neal Katyal, counsel for the SMEs opposing these measures, accused Donald Trump of having demolished the architecture of the customs system, while conservative Justice Neil Gorsuch warned against an excessive delegation of congressional powers.

Donald Trump, on the other hand, defends these tariffs as an essential tool to revive American industry, reduce the trade deficit, and pressure partners like China, Canada, or Mexico.

Declared illegal by several federal jurisdictions, these tariffs remain in effect pending the Supreme Court's decision, expected by June. Its verdict could permanently redefine the balance of power between the presidency and Congress.

Source: France24/ AFP