US Court Rules Trump's 'Reciprocal Tariffs' Illegal

1. The Court's Ruling and the Dispute

A U.S. Federal Trade Court has ruled that the "reciprocal tariffs" imposed by Donald Trump in April were illegal. According to the ruling, the former president exceeded his authority and acted "on a whim." The tariffs were on goods from China and several other countries that are now blocked.

2. The White House's Response

The Trump administration has announced its intention to appeal the court's ruling. In a statement, White House Deputy Press Secretary Kush Desai said:

"President Trump has pledged to put America first, and the administration intends to use every lever of the executive branch to overcome this crisis and restore American greatness."

3. Legal Justification and Arguments

Trump cited the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977, which allows import restrictions to be imposed in cases of national security threats. However, the court ruled that the tariffs did not meet the conditions described in the law and were not related to the “credible threats” cited by the presidential orders.

4. What happens next

After the court’s decision, new tariffs will only be possible under individual review by Congress. Some tariffs already in effect may remain in place, but overall, the president’s authority on this issue is now limited by judicial action.

5. Trade Implications

This decision could significantly change the U.S. approach to foreign economic policy. The legal precedent limits the ability of future presidents to unilaterally impose tariffs under the guise of emergencies. Other controversial trade measures passed during Trump's presidency could also be reconsidered.

A legal strike against "reciprocal tariffs" could be a watershed moment in U.S. trade policy, and could further affect the country's relations with key economic partners.