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Trump Tariffs Live Updates: The Supreme Court has created an economic storm by declaring Donald Trump’s controversial global tariffs illegal. The 6-3 decision not only curbed Trump’s powers, but also blocked the $134 billion…read more
The US Supreme Court declared President Donald Trump’s global tariffs illegal. (File photo: Reuters)
What strict remarks did the Supreme Court make in the decision?
Chief Justice John Roberts, writing the majority decision, drew a line on the powers of the President. The court, with a majority of 6-3, held that Trump had crossed his legal limits in imposing the tariffs. Roberts wrote that the President does not have the extraordinary power to single-handedly impose taxes for an unlimited amount and time. The court said that if Congress wanted to give such power, it would have clearly mentioned it in the law. The Court found the Emergency Act of 1977 (IEEPA) invoked by the Trump administration to be inadequate for this purpose.
Trump’s own appointed judges gave the blow
The surprising thing was that Trump had to face defeat even in the court with conservative majority. Along with Chief Justice Roberts, Trump-appointed Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch joined the liberal judges. Citing the ‘Major Questions Doctrine’, these judges said that such major economic decisions cannot be taken without the express permission of the Parliament. Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Brett Kavanaugh dissented in favor of Trump. Kavana warned that the return of billions of dollars recovered from this decision could become a big problem.
What will be the account of the recovered $134 billion?
The Supreme Court declared the tariff illegal, but left a big question unanswered. The government has so far recovered approximately $ 134 billion (about Rs 11 lakh crore) from more than 3 lakh importers. The court did not tell what to do with this huge amount. Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote in his note that the refund process would prove to be a huge ‘mess’. This could put huge pressure on the American treasury and have devastating consequences on the economy. Now this matter will go back to the lower courts, where every company will demand its money back.
Former diplomat K.P. What did Fabian say?
On this decision, former Indian diplomat K.P. Fabian has made an interesting comment. He said that American democracy is trying to improve itself. According to Fabian, people were assuming that the conservative judge would support Trump, but the decision came on the contrary. He quipped that champagne bottles should be opened in Europe and India on this victory. However, he also cautioned that this is not the end of the story. This is a matter of relief for India because Trump had put pressure on India for additional tariffs on buying Russian oil.
What is Trump’s ‘Plan B’?
What will be the impact on Indian markets and trade?
Trump Tariffs Live Updates | Trump Tariff Latest Update
February 20, 202623:15 IST
Trump Tariffs LIVE: Canada said on Trump Tariffs – Taxes were illegitimate, USMCA deal also in danger
Canada’s Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc has said that the Supreme Court’s decision has made it clear that Trump’s tariffs were illegitimate. Canadian industry suffered huge losses especially due to the tariffs imposed on the auto, steel and aluminum sectors. Questions have also been raised on the future of the USMCA trade deal, because the Trump camp is considering ending this agreement. Dominic Leblanc clearly said that the court’s decision strengthens Canada’s old position. He says that there was no solid basis for the tariff. However, he admitted that the sectoral tariffs imposed on the auto and metal sectors still remain a concern. These tariffs have affected the growth of the industry. LeBlanc also mentioned the USMCA review, known as CUSMA in Canada. This is a big trade agreement between America, Canada and Mexico. But the Trump administration has indicated that it wants to end this deal and make separate agreements. If this happens, there could be a big change in North America’s trade balance.
