The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday struck down some of President Donald Trump's global tariffs, handing him a big loss on a key economic policy.
In a 6-3 decision, the court ruled in favor of five small businesses and 12 attorneys general who sued the Trump administration in April 2025 for violating the law by imposing massive new tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
The majority found that the Constitution gives Congress the power to imposes taxes and tariffs. "The Framers did not vest any part of the taxing power in the Executive Branch, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote.
The president said he was disappointed by the decision
"The Supreme Court’s Ruling on TARIFFS is deeply disappointing! I am ashamed of certain Members of the Court for not having the Courage to do what is right for our Country," he wrote on Truth Social.
New York Attorney General Letitia James, part of the coalition of attorneys general that sued Trump, said the tariffs caused "immense economic chaos" and raised costs for U.S. families and businesses.
“The Supreme Court has agreed that this administration has no authority to impose massive new taxes on a whim," she said in a statement. "This is a critical victory for the rule of law and our economy, and I will keep fighting to protect New Yorkers from destructive policies that make life less affordable.”
The ruling keeps some tariffs in place, however. Trump used Section 232 of the 1962 Trade Expansion Act to slap tariffs on steel, aluminum, cars, copper and lumber, which remain in tact, according to the Associated Press.
Governor Kathy Hochul, who has been sounding the alarm on the state's deteriorating economic relationship with Canada, said the tariffs were "an unlawful backdoor tax on hardworking families, farmers and small businesses, raising prices on everything from groceries to building materials."
“We stood up to these reckless policies because New Yorkers were paying the price, and today the Court agreed," she said in a statement. "My administration will keep fighting to protect New Yorkers and make sure Washington helps — not hurts — the people we serve.”
