Daijiworld Media Network – Washington

Washington, Sep 4: US President Donald Trump has approached the Supreme Court, seeking to overturn a lower court ruling that struck down several of his administration’s tariffs as unlawful.

In a petition filed late on Wednesday, Trump’s legal team urged the justices to quickly intervene and uphold the president’s authority to impose import taxes under emergency powers.

Last week, the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled 7-4 that tariffs imposed by Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) exceeded presidential authority, stressing that the power to levy duties rested with Congress. The appellate court, however, delayed implementation of its order to give time for an appeal.

Trump had declared an “economic emergency” in April, arguing that trade imbalances were eroding domestic manufacturing and threatening national security. He introduced a baseline 10% tariff alongside “reciprocal” duties on more than 90 countries, including Canada, Mexico and China.

Solicitor General John Sauer, in Wednesday’s filing, said the stakes of the case were “extraordinarily high,” warning that the appellate court’s “erroneous decision has disrupted sensitive diplomatic trade negotiations” and created legal uncertainty around ongoing US economic policy.

Opposing the move, lawyers representing small businesses and several US states argued that the tariffs were unlawful and harmful. “These unlawful tariffs are inflicting serious harm on small businesses and jeopardising their survival,” said Jeffrey Schwab of Liberty Justice Center.

If the Supreme Court declines to hear the case, the appellate court ruling will take effect on October 14, forcing the US government to potentially refund billions collected through Trump-era tariffs.

The decision does not impact duties on steel and aluminium, which were imposed under a different presidential authority.