President Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs have been struck down by the US Supreme Court, in a major blow to the president’s economic agenda
With a 6-3 majority, the Supreme Court rules Trump exceeded his authority when he imposed tariffs via a law reserved for national emergencies
The court’s decision represents a rare check on this president’s broad use of executive authority .
The ruling applies to his so-called “Liberation Day” tariffs, but not individual tariffs he’s imposed on specific countries or products.
Trump, a longtime proponent of tariffs, argues the taxes on goods imported into the US will boost American manufacturing.
Wall Street responds quickly and positively to the court’s ruling in early trading.
Meanwhile,the UK government says it’s working with the US to understand how the overturning of Trump’s tariffs will affect the UK.
“We expect our privileged trading position with the US to continue,” it says in a statement.
It also says that while Supreme Court ruling is a matter for the US to determine, the government will continue to support businesses in the UK as further details are announced.
The Supreme Court is the keeper of US laws.
The justices decide whether laws and government actions follow the US constitution. They also interpret laws passed by congress to decide if they are being correctly carried out.
Americans do not vote for who can serve on the court. Justices are appointed by the president and then approved by the Senate.
They serve for life or until they voluntarily retire, and they can only be removed by impeachment. Congress has only attempted an impeachment once, more than 200 years ago, and it failed.
