A US federal appeals court has ruled that many of the global tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump were illegal, opening the door to a potential legal battle that could overturn a key part of his foreign policy agenda.
The decision affects Trump’s so-called “reciprocal tariffs” imposed on most countries worldwide, as well as specific tariffs applied against China, Mexico, and Canada.
In a 7-4 ruling, the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit rejected Trump’s argument that the tariffs were permissible under a law granting emergency economic powers, declaring them “invalid and contrary to the law.”
However, the decision will not take effect until October 14, giving the administration time to request a review by the US Supreme Court.
Reacting to the ruling on Truth Social, Trump harshly criticized the court:
“If allowed to stand, this decision would literally destroy the United States of America.”
He further claimed:
“Today, a very partisan Court of Appeals wrongly said that our tariffs must be removed. But they know that the United States of America will ultimately win.”
Trump warned that eliminating these tariffs would be a “complete catastrophe for the country,” leaving the US financially weak at a time when, in his words, America must remain strong.
