Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Court of International Trade ruled Trump's global tariffs illegal — The Court of International Trade in New York found Trump's 10% global tariffs, imposed after the Supreme Court declared his "Liberation Day" tariffs of April 2025 unconstitutional, to be illegal. Trump is expected to appeal the ruling. On the same day, Trump threatened to impose "much higher" tariffs on the European Union if it does not approve a trade agreement with the U.S. by July 4, 2026.

Supporting reports

• Supreme Court rules Trump exceeded authority on tariff imposition — The U.S. Supreme Court issued a 6-3 ruling that President Trump violated the Constitution by using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose sweeping tariffs on global imports without congressional approval. Chief Justice John Roberts stated that taxation is a core congressional power. The ruling invalidated most of the administration's tariffs. Democratic lawmakers celebrated the decision as a check on executive overreach, while Trump called it a "disgrace" and indicated he had a backup plan.
• Supreme Court rules Trump tariffs unconstitutional in 6-3 decision — The US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 last Friday that President Trump exceeded his constitutional authority by imposing tariffs using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) during peacetime. The court affirmed that Congress alone retains the power to levy taxes under the Constitution and that the IEEPA cannot supersede that authority absent genuine emergency conditions. The ruling marked the first time the Supreme Court overturned Trump policies in his second term and undercut his claims to sweeping executive trade authority.
• Supreme Court rules Trump's tariffs unlawful, striking down invocation of International Emergency Economic Powers Act — The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6–3 that President Trump lacked authority to impose sweeping global tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Chief Justice John Roberts authored the majority opinion, joined by two Trump-appointed justices (Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett) and the three liberal-leaning justices. The court held that taxation powers are reserved exclusively to Congress. Trump responded with a vitriolic public attack on the justices, calling them "FOOLS" and "LAPDOGS," and immediately announced new tariffs under different legislative authority.
• Supreme Court strikes down Trump's national emergency tariffs — The U.S. Supreme Court issued a 6-3 decision invalidating Trump's tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), ruling that tariffs constitute taxation and fall under Congress's exclusive constitutional authority. The decision reduces the U.S. average trade-weighted tariff from 15.3% to 8.3%, with significant reductions on Chinese (36.8% to 21.2%), Brazilian (26.3% to 6.8%), and Japanese (14.9% to 9.9%) imports. Trump immediately announced a 10% blanket global tariff under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act as an alternative.
• US Supreme Court declares Trump's IEEPA tariffs illegal — The US Supreme Court ruled that President Trump cannot impose tariffs in peacetime using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), declaring his tariffs enacted under that authority unlawful. The White House indicated it will replace the levies using alternative statutory tools, such as the 1974 Trade Act. International businesses and governments expressed uncertainty about future tariff regimes, as the ruling does not constrain Trump's other trade policy options. US business groups celebrated the decision as affirming rule of law and separation of powers.
• US Supreme Court rules Trump's tariffs illegal under IEEPA, Trump announces new 10% global tariff under Section 122 — The US Supreme Court issued a 6-3 ruling on Friday declaring that Donald Trump's tariffs lacked legal justification under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), a 1977 law designed for national emergencies. The court held that tariff authority belongs exclusively to Congress under the Constitution's taxing power. Trump responded by calling the justices "a disgrace to the nation" and immediately announced a new 10% global baseline tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which permits 150-day tariffs, while initiating investigations into unfair trading practices for potential permanent tariffs.
• US Supreme Court strikes down Trump's unilateral tariff authority under IEEPA — The US Supreme Court ruled 6–3 that President Trump exceeded his constitutional authority by imposing global tariffs without congressional approval under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The decision affirmed lower court findings that the tariffs—covering dozens of countries and announced on "liberation day" in April 2025—were illegal. Trump immediately vowed to continue tariffs using alternative authority under the Trade Act of 1974, announcing a new 10% global tariff and directing investigations into unfair trading practices.
• Supreme Court ruled Trump's tariffs under IEEPA unconstitutional — The U.S. Supreme Court found that tariffs Trump levied under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) are unconstitutional. The decision was announced on Friday, February 21, 2026. Following the ruling, Trump announced a 10% tariff on foreign imports on Friday and escalated to a 15% worldwide tariff on Saturday, claiming the court decision actually granted him broader powers than he previously possessed.
• Supreme Court ruling on tariffs declared unconstitutional — The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the tariffs imposed by Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) are unconstitutional. Following this decision, Trump announced a 10% tariff on foreign imports, which he later raised to 15%. He claimed that the ruling inadvertently granted him more power and threatened higher tariffs on countries he accused of taking advantage of the U.S. This ruling has led to significant uncertainty among U.S. trading partners, prompting the European Parliament to pause trade deal approvals with the U.S.
• Trump claims he has unchecked power after Supreme Court ruling — Trump publicly stated that the Supreme Court's ruling has given him "far more powers and strength" than before, suggesting he could use tariffs in a more aggressive manner. His comments reflect a disregard for the Court's authority and the principles of checks and balances.
• Trump’s tariffs face public disapproval — A poll indicated that 64% of Americans disapprove of Trump's handling of tariffs, with 82% believing he must obey Supreme Court rulings. This public sentiment reflects widespread dissatisfaction with his economic policies and governance.
• Supreme Court strikes down Trump "liberation day" tariffs — The US Supreme Court struck down Trump's sweeping "liberation day" tariffs that had been imposed the previous year. The decision represented a judicial check on the executive's tariff authority and prompted the administration to announce the alternative 10% global tariff as a replacement policy.
• Supreme Court struck down Trump's broad tariff authority under IEEPA — Days before the State of the Union address, the Supreme Court struck down the President's claimed authority to impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), in what CNBC and CNN reported as one of the most consequential executive power rulings in years. In response, Trump called the ruling "unfortunate" and vowed to pursue "alternative" legal authorities to continue imposing tariffs without congressional approval, signaling his intent to circumvent the Court's decision.

Supporting reports

• Federal appeals court rules Trump exceeded presidential authority on tariff imposition — A federal appeals court found that Trump overstepped his presidential authority when he imposed sweeping tariffs on dozens of countries earlier in 2025, including a 10% baseline tariff on nearly all U.S. trading partners and reciprocal tariffs on specific nations. The ruling sent shock waves across global markets. The Trump administration subsequently asked the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the appeals court decision.
• Trump administration petitions Supreme Court to overturn tariff ruling — Following a federal appeals court ruling that Trump exceeded his presidential authority in imposing sweeping tariffs, the Trump administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the decision. Treasury Secretary Bessent expressed confidence the conservative-majority court would side with the administration, stating there were "numerous other avenues" available if the court ruled against them.
• Trump administration petitions Supreme Court to overturn tariff ruling and expedite decision — The Trump administration, through Solicitor General D John Sauer, filed with the Supreme Court requesting the justices decide by Wednesday 10 September whether to take the case. Sauer argued the appeals court's decision had "disrupted highly impactful sensitive ongoing diplomatic trade negotiations" and cast legal uncertainty over the president's tariff efforts. The administration requested oral argument in the first week of November and claimed any adverse ruling would "destroy" the US financial fabric.
• US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit rules Trump's tariffs exceed presidential authority — The US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled that Trump's tariffs "assert an expansive authority that is beyond the express limitations" of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the law the administration invoked. The court found that the word "tariff" does not appear in IEEPA and questioned whether the statute grants the president sufficient power to impose tariffs. The appeals court paused its ruling, allowing tariffs to remain in place until 14 October while the case proceeds to the Supreme Court.

Supporting reports

• Appeals court pauses ruling overturning Trump’s tariffs — An appeals court has temporarily paused a federal court ruling that overturned many of Donald Trump’s tariffs, allowing the tariffs to remain in place while the appeals court reviews the arguments. The initial ruling had declared Trump's blanket 10% tariffs illegal, stating that he should have sought Congressional approval first. However, the pause means that the tariffs will continue to be enforced until a final decision is made by the appeals court.
• U.S. Court of Appeals pauses ruling on Trump's tariffs — The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit paused the ruling that deemed Trump's tariffs illegal until at least June 9, allowing the government to appeal the decision.
• Court rulings against tariffs prompt administration appeal — In the past week, several court rulings have been issued against the Trump administration's tariffs, leading the administration to initiate appeals. These legal challenges could significantly impact the implementation of the tariffs and the overall economic landscape.

Supporting reports

• Senate Resolution to Undo Trump Tariffs Blocked — A Senate resolution aimed at repealing tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump was blocked. The resolution, sponsored by Republican Rand Paul and Democrat Ron Wyden, sought to challenge the national emergency declaration used to justify the tariffs. Despite support from all attending Democrats and two moderate Republicans, the resolution deadlocked at 49-49. Vice-President JD Vance cast the tie-breaking vote to ensure the resolution's failure. Additionally, the GOP-controlled House enacted a rule to delay consideration of the resolution until at least the end of September.

Supporting reports

• Senate passes resolution to rescind Trump Canada tariffs with bipartisan support — The Senate passed a resolution 51-48 to block Donald Trump's tariffs on Canada, with four Republicans—Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Mitch McConnell, and Rand Paul—joining all Democrats. The measure would terminate the national emergency on fentanyl that Trump invoked to justify the tariffs. Trump announced sweeping new tariffs on Wednesday and vowed not to sign the resolution if it reached his desk. The House, controlled by Republicans, is unlikely to pass similar legislation.
• Four Republican senators vote to rescind Canada tariffs via Democratic resolution — Four Republican senators—Mitch McConnell, Rand Paul, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski—voted in favor of a Democratic Senate resolution (tabled by Tim Kaine) to rescind the 25% tariffs on Canadian products, defying Trump's public appeal against the measure. The resolution lacks force of law but signals deep party fracture over tariff policy.
• Senate passes resolution to block tariffs on Canadian products — The Senate passed a resolution to block Trump's tariffs on Canadian products. Four Republicans—Susan Collins (ME), Mitch McConnell (KY), Lisa Murkowski (AK), and Rand Paul (KY)—joined Democrats to pass the measure. House Speaker Mike Johnson indicated he is unlikely to bring the measure to a vote in the House, effectively preventing congressional override of the tariff declaration.
• Senate passes resolution to eliminate Trump tariffs on Canadian imports — On April 2, the Senate passed a resolution to eliminate Trump's tariffs on Canadian imports, with Republicans Mitch McConnell, Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, and Rand Paul joining all Democrats to support the resolution. The bipartisan vote reflected congressional opposition to the tariff policy.
• Trump demands Senate Republicans vote against tariff resolution on Truth Social — Trump posted on Truth Social demanding Senate Republicans vote to keep the national emergency in effect to "finish the job" on tariffs. He attacked Senator Kaine and warned that Democratic victory on the resolution would be "devastating for the Republican Party and, far more importantly, for the United States." The post represented direct presidential pressure on his party's senators to block the bipartisan resolution.
• Senate Republicans consider joining Democrats on resolution to terminate Trump's emergency tariff order on Canada — Democratic Senator Tim Kaine introduced a resolution to terminate Trump's emergency order justifying tariffs on Canadian imports, citing fentanyl concerns. Several Senate Republicans, including Rand Paul and Susan Collins, signaled support or co-sponsorship. Trump responded with a Truth Social post demanding Republicans vote to keep the emergency in effect. Senate Majority Leader John Thune prepared to urge Republicans to oppose the resolution. A vote was expected as early as Tuesday or Wednesday.