Donald Trump’s Trade Weapon Tested: US Supreme Court Weighs Limits of Emergency Powers, Authority

Donald Trump’s Trade Weapon Tested: US Supreme Court Weighs Limits of Emergency Powers, Authority The US Supreme Court is now debating whether Donald Trump exceeded his authority by using emergency powers to impose sweeping tariffs on foreign countries. The hearing centers on a 1977 law meant for wartime or national threats — not trade policy. Trump used it to slap tariffs on India, China, and even NATO allies, calling it “reciprocal justice.” Now, justices are publicly questioning whether one president should have that much unilateral control over world trade. Could this ruling set a constitutional boundary on presidential power? Or will it strengthen the office for future leaders? With $89 billion collected and entire trade deals forced through tariff threats, the economic fallout could