Trump plans Supreme Court challenge to ruling that most of his tariffs are illegal

The White House is expected to appeal a federal court decision that declared most of President Donald Trump’s tariffs unlawful, with an administration official reportedly confirming plans to take the case to the nation’s highest court.

Catch up: A 7-4 majority on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled Friday that Trump lacked legal authority to impose his widespread levies using emergency economic powers. The judges concluded that the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not provide presidents with broad tariff-setting capabilities, since the law makes no specific reference to import duties.

Friday’s ruling affirmed an earlier decision from May by the U.S. Court of International Trade, which also found Trump’s use of emergency powers improper. Current tariffs will stay active until Oct. 14, providing a window for the administration’s high court petition.

Next moves: Trump attacked the decision on Truth Social late Friday, branding the court “highly partisan” and claiming the ruling would “literally destroy” the country. By Tuesday, an administration official confirmed the White House’s intention to seek Supreme Court review, according to The New York Times.

Why this matters: Asian American households confronting elevated costs on imported products from groceries to electronics face continued uncertainty over tariff permanence. Import companies pay the duties but typically pass these expenses to consumers through higher prices. A Supreme Court loss for Trump could potentially reduce consumer costs, though the government might face billions in refund obligations that the Justice Department has warned could mean “financial ruin” for federal finances.