Suit challenges president’s use of emergency economic powers law to impose tariffs
A federal appeals court just steps from the White House could derail US President Donald Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs before they take effect on Friday, a move that could weaken Washington’s leverage in trade talks with China and other key partners.
The US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit will hear arguments on Thursday in Washington on whether the tariffs can survive legal scrutiny.
The lawsuit, V.O.S. Selections v. Trump, challenges Trump’s claim he can unilaterally impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, arguing he overstepped his authority by bypassing Congress.
IEEPA gives the president power to regulate economic activity during a national emergency. No president before Trump has used the statute to justify tariffs.
