Trump’s tariffs under IEEPA expanded presidential power beyond congressional limits, prompting Supreme Court intervention to restore balance of powers.
Executive Power Expansion
Trump’s introduction of tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) from 1977 was not merely a trade policy measure but also an assertion of unquestionable presidential power. This occurred with Congressional silence, as the body voluntarily relinquished its constitutional authority to impose taxes.
Trade policy was not the only area where Trump expanded executive powers; similar actions were taken, for example, in the confrontation with the Federal Reserve.
Supreme Court Limits Presidential Authority
The Supreme Court did not examine the economic justification of the tariffs but ruled on the scope of presidential powers, determining they are not unlimited. This ruling at least partially restores the separation of powers.
The symbolic recovery of initiative by the House of Representatives had already been demonstrated by the lifting of tariffs imposed on Canada a week before the Supreme Court’s decision.
