A federal appeals court has granted a temporary stay to reinstate most of the tariffs imposed during former President Donald Trump's administration. This move pauses a lower court's ruling that had invalidated these tariffs, allowing the Trump administration time to prepare its appeal.
The initial ruling, made by the U.S. Court of International Trade, struck down the tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, stating that the legislation does not provide presidents with unfettered authority to impose such trade measures. The tariffs, enacted in early April as part of Trump's broad trade policy reforms, were permanently blocked nationwide.
Following the lower court decision, the administration promptly filed a notice of appeal and requested a stay on the enforcement of the ruling during the appeals process. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit responded by issuing a temporary stay "until further notice," granting the administration additional time to contest the judgment.
Legal representatives for the plaintiffs, which include several state attorneys general and domestic companies, have been given one week to respond to the government's request, with the government allowed to reply by June 9. Jeffrey Schwab, attorney for the plaintiffs, expressed confidence that the court will ultimately deny the administration’s motion to continue the tariffs, citing the harm the tariffs impose on his clients.
The Trump administration has criticized the trade-court judges, with officials such as White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller accusing the judiciary of bias and overreach. Leavitt stated that the Supreme Court must intervene to uphold U.S. credibility on the global stage, while Miller described the situation as a "judicial tyranny."
This legal dispute represents a significant chapter in the ongoing debate over presidential powers in trade policy and the extent to which courts can limit executive actions.
Note: This is developing news and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
