Trump battles trade court ruling; eyes supreme court reversal
Donald Trump criticised the decision of the Federal Court of International Trade on Thursday, which had determined the previous day that the US president exceeded his authority by imposing additional tariffs on many countries. He expressed hope that the Supreme Court would overturn this decision.
"The U.S. Court of International Trade incredibly ruled against the United States of America on desperately needed Tariffs but, fortunately, the full 11 Judge Panel on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit Court has just stayed the order by the Manhattan-based Court of International Trade," Trump wrote on the Truth Social platform.
"The ruling by the U.S. Court of International Trade is so wrong, and so political! Hopefully, the Supreme Court will reverse this horrible, Country threatening decision, QUICKLY and DECISIVELY," he emphasised.
According to the US president, "this terrible decision" stated that he would have to obtain congressional approval to impose tariffs. "In other words, hundreds of politicians would sit around D.C. for weeks, and even months, trying to come to a conclusion as to what to charge other Countries that are treating us unfairly. If allowed to stand, this would completely destroy Presidential Power — The Presidency would never be the same!" Trump stated.
Did Trump exceed his authority? Change after an appeal
The Federal Court of International Trade based in New York determined on Wednesday that Trump exceeded his authority by imposing additional tariffs, as only Congress has such a right. Accordingly, the court nullified Trump's orders on tariffs, which he had been announcing since his inauguration in January, with immediate effect.
However, on Thursday, the federal appellate court temporarily upheld the tariffs introduced by Trump but did not comment on the merit of the case, ordering both sides — the plaintiffs and the administration — to present written arguments on the matter by the first days of June.
Elon is great
In a post on Truth Social, Trump also announced that he would hold a joint press conference with Elon Musk, who had withdrawn from the US administration. The conference is to take place on Friday in the Oval Office at the White House.
"This will be his last day, but not really, because he will, always, be with us, helping all the way," Trump wrote. "Elon is terrific!" he added.
Musk announced on the platform X on Wednesday that he is leaving the US administration, where he served as one of Trump's principal advisors and the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The Associated Press (AP) noted that this closes a turbulent period characterised by thousands of layoffs and a thorough restructuring of government agencies. Although Musk undertook many actions, their effects were significantly more modest than expected.
