U.S. President Donald Trump reacts to a federal appeals court ruling lifting a blockade on tariffs following lower court’s suspension.
U.S. President
Donald Trump has expressed approval for the decision made by the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday, which temporarily lifted a block on numerous tariffs.
This ruling follows a lower court's previous suspension of those tariffs, which Trump characterized as an overreach of judicial authority.
On his social media platform, Trump stated, "The International Trade Court issued an incredibly unfavorable ruling for the United States regarding tariffs that were desperately needed, but fortunately, the full 11-judge panel of the Federal Circuit Court has just suspended the order."
On Wednesday, the U.S. International Trade Court ruled that Trump had overstepped his authority by unilaterally imposing non-selective tariffs on 184 countries, a power that the court determined belongs to Congress.
The panel of three judges asserted that these "reciprocal tariffs" went beyond any authority granted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977. This judgement was the result of lawsuits filed by five U.S. companies that import products from nations subjected to the tariffs, alongside a joint lawsuit filed by 12 U.S. states, predominantly led by Democratic administrations.
The appellate court's ruling means that the tariffs remain in effect temporarily as the case involving Trump's administration moves forward.
Trump condemned the lower court's decision, labeling it as "horrible," and expressed concern that it endangers the nation.
He expressed hope that the Supreme Court would "quickly and decisively overturn" the ruling.
Trump has criticized the assertion that he exceeded his powers, arguing that it should be within presidential authority to shield the United States from economic harm.
He remarked, "Allowing Congress to approve tariffs would mean hundreds of politicians sitting in Washington for weeks or even months trying to decide what to charge other countries that treat us unfairly, which would destroy presidential power."
Furthermore, Trump indicated his dissatisfaction with how the lower court's decision was welcomed internationally, remarking, "This decision is being cheered around the world by every country except the United States.
Radical left judges, along with some very bad people, are destroying America.
Under this decision, trillions of dollars would be lost by our country, money that will make America great again." He emphasized that the suspension of tariffs would constitute the "most severe financial ruling ever imposed on us as a Sovereign Nation."
Trump has raised questions regarding the motives of the judges who halted the tariffs, suggesting that personal animosities may be at play.
He referred to the ruling as a consequence of "radical left judges" and singled out Leonard Leo, a former advisor, expressing disappointment in the judicial nominations resulting from advice he received from the Federalist Society.
Meanwhile, the European Union has reiterated its commitment to ongoing negotiations with the U.S. regarding tariffs.
European Trade Commissioner, Maroš Šefčovič, emphasized that finding a solution to the tariff disputes remains a top priority, maintaining constant communication with U.S. counterparts.
In a separate development, President Trump has accused China of violating their trade agreement aimed at reducing high tariffs imposed by the U.S. He stated, "I reached a quick agreement with China to save them from what I believed would be a very bad situation...
but the bad news is that China has completely violated their agreement with us." He has confirmed his intentions to continue discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping to seek an agreement on tariffs.
However, the specifics of the alleged violations were not disclosed.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged that trade talks with China are "somewhat stalled" after both nations reached an agreement in May to reduce reciprocal tariffs amidst rising trade tensions.