Overview
- President Donald Trump used Truth Social to argue that a ruling against his tariff powers would leave the United States "financially defenseless" and threaten national security.
- The Supreme Court fast-tracked the case and heard arguments in November on the administration’s reliance on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose broad, country-specific tariffs.
- Lower federal courts have repeatedly ruled that the administration exceeded its authority, and several justices, including Amy Coney Barrett, Neil Gorsuch and Chief Justice John Roberts, signaled skepticism during oral argument.
- Trump has deployed tariffs widely since returning to office, targeting rivals such as China and Russia and at times allies, drawing retaliation that has hit some U.S. exporters.
- Treasury data show tariff receipts totaled about $195 billion last fiscal year and roughly $31 billion so far this fiscal year, while critics and some economists warn the levies act as a tax on imports and could push prices higher in 2026.