Trump Appeals to U.S. Supreme Court Over Tariff Authority, Defends Duties on India

NEW DELHI: U.S. President Donald Trump has filed an appeal with the Supreme Court, challenging a federal appellate court ruling that restricted his authority to impose sweeping tariffs on foreign imports. The case carries major implications for U.S. trade policy, ongoing global negotiations, and Trump’s use of emergency powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

In his appeal, Trump defended tariffs imposed on India for purchasing Russian energy, calling them “a crucial aspect” of his efforts to bring peace in Ukraine. “The President recently authorised IEEPA tariffs against India for purchasing Russian energy products, to deal with a preexisting national emergency regarding Russia’s war in Ukraine,” the filing stated. It added that the federal court’s decision “casts a pall of uncertainty upon ongoing foreign negotiations… jeopardizing both already negotiated framework deals and ongoing negotiations.”

The federal circuit court in Washington, D.C., ruled 7-4 that Trump had exceeded his authority under IEEPA, noting that while the law grants the president broad powers to address national emergencies, it does not explicitly authorize the imposition of tariffs or taxes. The ruling struck down two sets of tariffs — “reciprocal” duties announced in April as part of Trump’s trade measures and another set in February covering China, Canada, and Mexico. Other tariffs, including those on steel and aluminum, remain unaffected.

Trump has warned that a loss in the Supreme Court could unravel U.S. trade deals with key partners. “We made a deal with the European Union where they’re paying us almost a trillion dollars… If we don’t win that case, our country is going to suffer so greatly,” he said, adding that similar arrangements with Japan and South Korea could also be at risk.

Small businesses, however, argue that Trump’s tariffs have already inflicted severe economic damage. Jeffrey Schwab, an attorney with the Liberty Justice Center representing affected firms, said: “These unlawful tariffs are inflicting serious harm on small businesses and jeopardizing their survival. We hope for a prompt resolution of this case.”

The case now heads to the Supreme Court, where justices will weigh the limits of presidential authority in wielding emergency powers for trade and foreign policy — a decision likely to have far-reaching consequences for U.S. economic and diplomatic strategy.