Why a court just struck down Trump’s sweeping tariffs
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What are the implications of the court ruling on Trump's tariffs?
But first, a federal trade court has struck down President Trump's sweeping tariffs, ruling that he exceeded his legal authority. In a major setback to the administration's economic agenda, the three-person panel made up of Obama, Reagan and Trump appointees unanimously declared his use of an Emergency Powers Act did not give him the power to levy tariffs unilaterally. The case was brought forward in Oregon by a group of small businesses and a coalition of states and was heard by a relatively obscure court, taking many by surprise in its announcement. A White House spokesperson said they would appeal the decision. The ruling puts at least a temporary halt to most of the recently announced tariffs, although many of the most eye-catching moves had already been paused or dramatically scaled back. It means an end to the 30% tariffs on China, the 25% tariff on Mexico and Canada, and the across-the-board 10% tariffs for all nations.
Trump had argued that the country was facing a national emergency due to a persistent trade deficit, which he said justified the decision to act without Congress. Ryan Goodman is the editor of Just Security, a nonpartisan website that analyzes legal cases focused on democracy. He spoke to CNN following the news.
The court's argument basically says this goes back to Congress. It boils down to the idea that there was always a poor fit. For the tariffs being invoked by the administration, because the administration says they were operating under this emergency National Security Act. And the court says, no, you aren't. The National Security Act was not built for something like this.
How did the tariffs affect trade negotiations?
It's really Congress's authority to give it to you and you don't have it yet.
CNN notes that the 25 percent auto tariffs stay in place, as a different law had been used in that case. Yesterday, shortly before this news broke, President Trump took issue with a reporter asking for his reaction to a phrase coined by a Financial Times writer to describe Trump's tariff threats, followed by walkbacks. Taco Trade, an acronym short for Trump Always Chickens Out.
Six months ago, this country was stone-cold dead. We had a dead country. We had a country people didn't think it was going to survive, and you ask a nasty question like that. It's called negotiation.
And he defended his tariffs, describing them as crucial to his trade talks.
What are the themes behind Trump's recent pardons?
I can promise you, and I have great respect for the people at the European Union, they wouldn't be over here today negotiating if I didn't put a 50% tariff on. The sad thing is now when I make a deal with them, it's something much more reasonable. They'll say, oh, he was chicken. He was chicken. That's so unbelievable.
The ruling last night raises big questions as to what happens to those plans to negotiate new trade agreements and what happens to the few trade deals that were already made. Now to a series of pardons recently announced or issued by President Trump that appear to have some similar themes. There's either money, personal connections or loyalty involved. Yesterday, we told you about the president's plans to pardon a couple made famous by reality TV, Todd and Julie Chrisley, who were found guilty of tax evasion, fraud and conspiring to swindle community banks of more than $30 million. They have denied the charges and were sentenced to a combined 19 years in federal prison. Both are Trump supporters, and so is their daughter Savannah, a social media influencer who campaigned on his behalf and spoke at the Republican National Convention in 2024. After Trump announced their pardon on Tuesday, Savannah thanked him on Instagram.
Who are the notable individuals pardoned by Trump?
President Trump didn't just commute their sentences. He gave them a full, unconditional pardon. So for that, I am forever grateful.
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Chapters
6 chapters
1
What are the implications of the court ruling on Trump's tariffs?
0:34–2:11
2
How did the tariffs affect trade negotiations?
2:11–2:57
3
What are the themes behind Trump's recent pardons?
2:57–4:21
4
Who are the notable individuals pardoned by Trump?
4:21–6:52
5
How is Trump's approach to pardons different this term?
6:52–8:03
6
What does political loyalty have to do with pardons?
8:03–13:59
Speakers
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