WASHINGTON, Jan 20: The US Supreme Court on Tuesday postponed a ruling on the legal challenge to the Trump administration’s use of emergency powers to impose broad global tariffs, leaving the issue unresolved.
No new hearing date was set, and the court did not indicate when it might reconsider the case.
The challenge focuses on whether President Donald Trump exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) by declaring a national emergency to justify country-specific tariffs. Importers argue that the tariffs, imposed without explicit congressional approval, were illegal.
Although the court issued three other rulings on Tuesday, it again held off on deciding this high-profile case, as it had the previous week. During the November 5, 2025 hearing, justices expressed scepticism about Trump’s authority under the 1977 law, which allows presidents to act during national emergencies.
With the Supreme Court preparing for a four-week recess, the earliest potential date for a ruling could be February 20.
The case concerns Trump’s April 2 “Liberation Day” tariffs, which imposed duties of 10–50% on most imports, with additional levies on Canada, Mexico, and China. Trump justified the measures by citing fentanyl trafficking.
A ruling against the administration could force refunds exceeding $130 billion and weaken Trump’s leverage in threatening further tariffs on European countries, including those opposing US plans regarding Greenland.
Experts note that a decision striking down the tariffs would represent a major legal setback for Trump since returning to the White House and could have significant financial and geopolitical implications, affecting trade relations and ongoing US foreign policy strategies.
The Supreme Court’s deferral has left importers, businesses, and policymakers in uncertainty, with the legality of one of Trump’s most controversial economic policies hanging in the balance.
Trump again claims Indo-Pak peace role credit, criticises Nobel process
US President Donald Trump once again claimed credit for ending the India-Pakistan conflict and stopping eight wars, asserting he has “saved tens of millions of lives.”
He criticised the Nobel Peace Prize, saying Norway controls it, and insisted he deserves it more than past recipients.
Trump highlighted receiving a symbolic Nobel from Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado and criticised Obama’s award.
Ahead of the World Economic Forum in Davos, he plans to promote his “Board of Peace,” aimed at Gaza redevelopment and global conflict resolution, inviting leaders including Modi, Putin, while mocking Macron’s refusal to join. (Agencies)
