American Justice Declares Donald Trump’s Tariffs Illegal

The economic showdown initiated by Donald Trump. Since his political return, Trump has used tariffs as a central weapon to defend the American industry. The appellate court’s decision not only questions a trade measure, it attacks one of the pillars of his electoral strategy and political discourse. By ruling these taxes illegal, justice weakens his major argument: that of an economic “shield” supposed to protect American workers.

Presidential power questioned

At the heart of the case, a crucial question: does the president have the right to unilaterally impose trade taxes? For the judges, the answer is clear.

The Constitution reserves this power for Congress, not the head of state. Yet, the surtaxes decided by Donald Trump were applied almost universally and without time limit, far exceeding his prerogatives.

The international trade tribunal had already pointed out this abuse of power. The appellate court confirms this diagnosis, creating a political and diplomatic shock wave. Because behind the legal showdown hides an aggressive protectionist strategy which had forced several partners, including the European Union, to review their exchanges with Washington.

Donald Trump counterattacks and bets on the Supreme Court

True to his offensive style, Donald Trump did not hesitate to react. On his network Truth Social, he denounced a “politicized” decision and vowed to maintain his tariffs “to save the country.”

According to him, their removal would be a “total disaster” for the American economy, depriving the state of billions in revenue and weakening its leverage against trade partners.

He also accused his Democratic opponents of orchestrating a judicial campaign to harm his political comeback. For Trump, these tariffs symbolize not only an economic strategy, but also an act of national sovereignty. This strong discourse aims to mobilize his electoral base, already sensitive to protectionist arguments and economic patriotism.

The battle now moves to the Supreme Court. Confident, Trump hopes that the institution, where he appointed several conservative judges, will rule in his favor. But meanwhile, uncertainty looms. The economic sectors fear international reprisals if the taxes were to be canceled, while his political opponents denounce a trade policy judged “failed” and costly for Americans.