US President Donald Trump on Friday denounced a US appeals court ruling that declared most of his tariffs illegal, calling the decision “incorrect” and asserting that the levies remain in place.
“ALL TARIFFS ARE STILL IN EFFECT! Today a Highly Partisan Appeals Court incorrectly said that our Tariffs should be removed, but they know the United States of America will win in the end,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The ruling struck at the core of one of Trump’s signature economic policies, prompting him to defend tariffs as critical for protecting American jobs and industries.
“If these Tariffs ever went away, it would be a total disaster for the Country,” Trump said. “It would make us financially weak, and we have to be strong.”
He argued that tariffs are the best way to counter trade deficits and foreign trade barriers. “The USA will no longer tolerate enormous Trade Deficits and unfair Tariffs and Non Tariff Trade Barriers imposed by other Countries, friend or foe, that undermine our Manufacturers, Farmers, and everyone else,” he added.
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Warning of severe consequences if the ruling stands, Trump declared: “If allowed to stand, this Decision would literally destroy the United States of America.”
Appeals Court Decision and Impact on India
The US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, DC, ruled that Trump exceeded his authority when imposing tariffs under the emergency law known as IEEPA. The court concluded that while the president has broad powers during a declared national emergency, they do not explicitly extend to imposing tariffs or taxes.
The decision targeted the “reciprocal” tariffs Trump introduced in April, along with a separate set of levies on China, Canada, and Mexico earlier this year. However, tariffs on steel and aluminium imports imposed under different statutes were not affected.
For India, experts note that its tariffs are unlikely to be rolled back. After the first round of levies in April, Trump pre-emptively invoked other legal authorities in subsequent tariff rounds, anticipating that IEEPA-based measures could face legal challenges. This layered framework ensures that tariffs on India remain intact, even if other countries see relief.
Trump, linking his comments to Labor Day weekend, stressed, “At the start of this Labor Day weekend, we should all remember that TARIFFS are the best tool to help our Workers, and support Companies that produce great MADE IN AMERICA products.”
Vowing to escalate the case further, he added: “Now, with the help of the United States Supreme Court, we will use them to the benefit of our Nation, and Make America Rich, Strong, and Powerful Again!”
