Appeals court temporarily reinstates Trump tariffs
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Appeals Court Temporarily Reinstates Trump's Tariffs
Above: Donald Trump walks to speak to journalists before boarding Air Force One from Morristown Municipal Airport in Morristown, on May 25, 2025. Image copyright: Saul Loeb/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
Trade deficits have created a genuine national emergency that has devastated American communities, weakened the defense industrial base, and left workers behind. The president must have the authority to address these critical economic threats through emergency powers, as previous courts have affirmed, notably in the case of Nixon's tariffs in 1971. Congress, not the courts, should determine the validity of an emergency declaration.
Democratic narrative
These sweeping tariffs represent an unconstitutional power grab that bypasses Congress' exclusive authority to regulate international commerce. The president's actions have triggered retaliatory measures, driven up prices on essential goods, and imposed unfair burdens on American families and businesses. Trade deficits that have existed for 49 years cannot qualify as an unusual and extraordinary threat under emergency powers law.