Trump's tariffs ruling changes little now and may matter later

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that President Trump could not use a 1970s emergency powers law to impose broad tariffs, while sectoral tariffs under a different law remain in place.

The U.S. Supreme Court issued a 6-3 decision rejecting President Donald Trump's use of a 1970s emergency powers statute to impose broad tariffs, the article reports. Much of the tariff pressure on Canada comes from sectoral levies such as on steel and aluminium, which were not at issue in the case. The administration has said it could seek other means to impose tariffs. The article also notes a small group of House Republicans joined Democrats on Feb. 11 to pass a resolution calling for removal of certain non-sectoral tariffs on Canada. Immediate facts: - The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 against the President's use of a 1970s emergency powers law to impose broad, non-sectoral tariffs. - Sectoral tariffs (for example on steel and aluminium) are governed by a different law and remain in effect. - The administration has announced it could attempt to reimpose tariffs by other legal means. - On Feb. 11, six House Republicans voted with Democrats to pass a resolution seeking removal of certain non-sectoral tariffs on Canada; that resolution is not law and could be vetoed. Summary: The ruling limits one legal route the President used for broad tariffs and is presented in the article as a signal that the judiciary can place boundaries on executive power. In the short term, effects are limited because sectoral tariffs remain and the administration may pursue other options. Undetermined at this time.