After US Judges Challenge Trump’s Tariffs, Europe Holds Its Breath
BRUSSELS — Europe is refraining from celebration even after the U.S. Supreme Court questioned the legality of President Donald Trump’s extensive tariffs. The skepticism from both conservative and liberal justices emerged during a pivotal hearing on Wednesday.
The judges examined whether the president overstepped by invoking emergency powers to impose tariffs on global partners, including the European Union. If the court strikes down the measures, many in Europe expect Trump to find another route to safeguard U.S. interests.
“Should the court strike them down, Trump will find a way to replace them,” said one observer familiar with the administration’s trade approach.
“The president’s authority is not limited,” said German lawmaker Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s international trade committee. “New legal bases will be sought, which will again entail significantly greater effort and perhaps further uncertainties for certain product groups.”
Trump’s tariffs — including a 15 percent baseline duty on the 27 EU member states — were imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977. The law permits the president to regulate imports but stops short of explicitly authorizing tariffs. The ongoing debate centers on whether invoking this act to introduce “Liberation Day” tariffs in April breached constitutional limits set for Congress.
Author’s Summary
European officials view the U.S. Supreme Court’s scrutiny of Trump’s tariffs with caution, anticipating that even if overturned, new trade measures could soon follow.