The US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has ruled against the legality of Trump’s tariffs, providing a legal victory for Neal Katyal, an Indian-origin lawyer. The court found that Trump’s use of emergency powers to justify tariffs was an overreach, and exceeded his constitutional authority. The court’s 7-4 decision overturns part of an earlier ruling, giving the Trump administration the option to appeal to the US Supreme Court. Katyal, acting as lead counsel for a coalition of small businesses and Democratic-led states, argued that the power to impose economic policies resides with Congress, not the President. The ruling underscores the significance of checks and balances in governmental power, particularly in matters of international trade and taxation. The court has stayed the ruling until October 14 to allow for an appeal.
