Since early September 2025, the central news regarding the Trump administration and the Supreme Court has been the administration’s urgent appeal to the high court to uphold the president’s authority to impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The case was fast-tracked, with arguments expected in early November.
Background on the tariff case
- Appeals court ruling: In late August, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled 7-4 that President Trump exceeded his authority in using IEEPA to impose sweeping tariffs against numerous countries. The court found that Congress, not the president, holds the primary power to impose such import duties. The court allowed the tariffs to remain in place until October 14, giving the administration time to appeal.
- Trump’s appeal: In a 251-page appeal submitted on September 3, the Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to swiftly overturn the lower court’s decision. The administration’s argument is that the tariffs are necessary to address trade deficits and are a crucial aspect of foreign policy, such as pressuring India over its Russian oil purchases.
- Potential impact: If the Supreme Court upholds the appeals court’s decision, it could invalidate many of the administration’s tariffs and force the U.S. to refund billions in collected duties, creating significant economic disruption.
Other notable Supreme Court news
- Limitation on nationwide injunctions: In June 2025, the Supreme Court ruled in the case of Trump v. Casa that federal courts cannot issue nationwide injunctions to block presidential policies. The ruling does not affect class-action lawsuits, which can still provide remedies for a group of plaintiffs.
- Harvard funding lawsuit: A U.S. judge overturned the Trump administration’s decision to cut funding to Harvard University, stating there was little connection between the funding and allegations of antisemitism on campus. An appeals court affirmed this decision.
