A U.S. Court of Appeals has ruled that most of the tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump are illegal, opening the door to a potential legal battle that could significantly impact U.S. foreign policy.
The decision affects Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs placed on the majority of countries worldwide, as well as on China, Mexico, and Canada.
In a 7–4 ruling, the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Trump’s argument that the tariffs were authorized under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), declaring them “invalid and unlawful.”
The ruling will not take effect until October 14, giving Trump’s legal team time to request Supreme Court intervention.
Reacting sharply, Donald Trump criticized the decision and the court, warning of dire consequences:
“If allowed to stand, this decision will literally destroy the United States of America. They said today, as a very politicized Court of Appeals, that our tariffs must be removed, but they know the United States will win in the end.”
He further warned:
“If these tariffs were ever removed, it would be a total catastrophe for the country. It would make us economically weak, and we must remain strong.”
Trump had previously justified the tariffs under the IEEPA, which grants the president authority to act against “unusual and extraordinary threats.”
