Today's News: U.S. Court of International Trade Strikes Down Trump Tariffs
The decision invalidates tariffs imposed on a broad set of countries and products, including high-profile levies on Chinese goods.
Photo: Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post
Update
They’re on, they’re off, they’re on again. That seems to be the through-line of the ongoing tariff story.
CNN: Appeals court pauses ruling that blocked Trump’s tariffs
The Washington Post: Tariffs are on for now thanks to appeals court in win for Trump
Overview
Date: May 28–29, 2025
Topic: Court Ruling Disrupts Trump’s Tariff Strategy and Trade Agenda
Summary: A ruling by the U.S. Court of International Trade has struck down President Donald Trump’s expansive use of tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), declaring the majority of his import taxes illegal. The decision invalidates tariffs imposed on a broad set of countries and products, including high-profile levies on Chinese goods. The Trump administration has responded by filing appeals, arguing the tariffs are necessary to address national security threats and trade imbalances. While the court’s ruling casts uncertainty over ongoing trade negotiations, it does not affect tariffs imposed under other legal provisions, such as Section 232. Experts suggest Trump may pursue alternative legal avenues to maintain his trade strategy.
Sources
The New York Times – Court Ruling on Tariffs Upends Centerpiece of Trump’s Trade Strategy
CNN – Trump’s tariffs in jeopardy: What it means for prices and a recession
NBC News – Federal trade court rules against several Trump tariffs
Fox Business – Federal court rejects Trump's 'unbounded authority' to impose worldwide tariffs
The Washington Post – Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs halted by Court of International Trade
The Wall Street Journal – Tariff Ruling Is a Setback for Trump but Doesn’t End Trade War
Key Points
The U.S. Court of International Trade ruled that Trump's use of IEEPA to impose broadAppeals court pauses ruling that blocked Trump’s tariffs tariffs exceeded presidential authority, invalidating many tariffs imposed since April 2.
The administration has appealed the ruling, seeking a stay to delay enforcement and arguing that the tariffs are essential to address national emergencies tied to trade deficits and industrial decline.
Tariffs under different legal authorities, such as Section 232 (steel, autos), remain intact.
The ruling injects uncertainty into ongoing negotiations with over a dozen trade partners, undermining the administration’s leverage.
U.S. businesses and foreign exporters alike are uncertain how to proceed, with concerns over legal ambiguity and future policy reversals.
Market reactions have been volatile, with stock indices initially rising on hopes for tariff relief.
Unique Highlights
CNN: Focuses on consumer impacts, noting the decision may slightly reduce recession and inflation risks, but emphasizes uncertainty about price effects.
Fox Business: Emphasizes constitutional limits on executive power, quoting the court’s position that Congress retains authority to regulate commerce.
The Wall Street Journal: Provides insight from Asian exporters, reporting on supply chain disruptions and expectations of continued tariff uncertainty.
NBC News: Highlights political reactions from state attorneys general and notes positive stock market reactions following the ruling.
The Washington Post: Details specific small businesses involved in the lawsuit and includes constitutional critiques from legal scholars about Trump’s expansive claims of authority.
The New York Times: Reports that White House officials aim to close 90 trade deals in 90 days, a goal now in jeopardy due to the court’s decision.
Contrasting Details
CNN and The Wall Street Journal express cautious optimism about reduced recession risk and inflation pressure, while The New York Times and The Washington Post stress uncertainty and potential disruption to global negotiations.
Fox Business presents the administration’s stance as a defense of national sovereignty, while The Washington Post and NBC News underscore judicial rebukes and public backlash.
The New York Times and The Washington Post emphasize that the ruling does not affect all tariffs (steel, aluminum), while CNN and NBC News focus more on tariffs directly invalidated by the court.
Fox Business and NBC News cite strong pro-tariff rhetoric from the administration, while CNN includes voices suggesting any future tariffs may face stricter legal constraints.
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