The second Trump administration has quickly become synonymous with controversial economic policies, including the implementation of tariffs. However, on Feb 20, the Supreme Court deemed certain tariffs to be unconstitutional.
Tariffs are taxes imposed by the government on imported goods, and are essentially additional fees a country charges when products are being imported from other countries. Since the beginning of his second term, President Trump has increased tariffs on US imports from all global partners. He cited his authorities in the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to implement these policies.
The Supreme Court argued that the IEEPA regulation did not give President Trump the right to authorize tariffs, and that therefore the President had no authority to tax on these grounds. The court instead ruled that the power to tax and impose tariffs belongs to congress.
In response to the court’s ruling, President Trump ordered tariffs of 10%. He subsequently raised them to 15% the next day, their maximum level. He claimed that Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 gave him the authority to implement these tariffs.
Although Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 grants the President the right to impose temporary across-the-board tariffs out of economic necessity, this is no longer valid after 150 days. According to the Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, “The President shall proclaim, for a period not exceeding 150 days (unless such period is extended by Act of Congress)”
Many Meridian students, including junior Ethan Kimpton, are supportive of getting rid of Trump’s tariffs, saying “The actions taken by our president seem unconstitutional”
“Tarrifs are making everything more expensive obviously, and they were already deemed unconstitutional. Upping them is just kinda like that but worse.” says freshman Jack Ernie.
Trump responded bitterly to the ruling in a press conference, stating “I think it is deeply disappointing, and I’m ashamed of certain members of the court, absolutely ashamed for not having the courage to do what’s right for our country,”
While US citizens wait to see if these tariffs will be extended by Congress or expire after 150 days, businesses wait to be refunded by the Trump Administration. On Monday, the US Court of Appeals declined President Trump’s request to delay the implementation of the Supreme Court ruling, beginning the long process of tariff refunds promised by the administration.
As we have now entered March, so far there has been no indication that the court will strike down these temporary tariffs. The 150 day grace period will end on July 24th, but until then citizens will have to wait to see how the court rules.
