Trump team asks court to support tariff authority

The Trump administration is pushing a federal appeals court to reverse a ruling that called the president’s wide-ranging tariffs unconstitutional. These tariffs, which add taxes on goods coming into the U.S., are a key part of Trump’s trade strategy. The administration argues that the president needs this power to negotiate better trade deals and protect national interests.

Last month, a lower court decided that Trump’s use of a 1977 law, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, to impose tariffs was not allowed. The court said this law doesn’t give the president unlimited authority to tax imports. The Trump team quickly appealed, saying the ruling weakens the president’s ability to handle trade talks and respond to global challenges.

They’ve already won a temporary pause on the lower court’s decision, keeping the tariffs in place for now. The tariffs include a 30% tax on Chinese goods, 25% on some products from Mexico and Canada, and a 10% tax on imports from most other countries. These taxes aim to boost U.S. businesses but have sparked concerns about higher prices and trade disputes.

The European Union has warned it may retaliate if the tariffs stay, which could hurt global trade. The appeals court’s decision could shape how much power the president has over trade. A ruling is expected soon, and it may go to the Supreme Court if the administration loses. For now, the tariffs remain, and the legal fight continues.