Can the president tax the world without Congress? That’s what appellate judges are asking after grilling President Donald Trump’s legal team over his latest tariffs — sweeping duties imposed on nearly every country under the claim of a national emergency.
The law Trump invoked — the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act — was designed to freeze assets and block financial transactions during crises such as 9/11 or the Iran hostage crisis.
It has never been used to impose tariffs. As one judge pointed out, the law does not even mention tariffs. Trump’s lawyers admitted no president has interpreted the law this way before, but insisted the trade deficit is the emergency and that Trump has the right to act.
Judges appeared skeptical. Twelve states and five U.S. businesses, including a wine importer and a fishing gear maker, are suing — and they’re not alone. Trump’s tariff spree, which raised U.S. duties to their highest level since 1934, has sparked multiple lawsuits.
The case is now likely headed to the Supreme Court.
Click play to listen to the report from AURN White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris. For more news, follow @E_N_McMorris & @aurnonline.
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