President Donald J. Trump has formally petitioned the United States Supreme Court to expedite its review of a recent federal appeals court ruling that deemed his administration’s sweeping tariff measures unlawful. The request, filed by Solicitor General John Sauer, seeks urgent clarification on the scope of presidential authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), a 1977 statute invoked by Trump to impose broad tariffs on U.S. trading partners.
The appeal follows a 7–4 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, which concluded that the President exceeded his statutory powers by levying duties without explicit congressional approval. While the tariffs remain in effect until mid-October, the ruling has cast uncertainty over billions of dollars in collected duties and ongoing trade negotiations with key allies including the European Union, Japan, Canada, and Mexico.
“It’s a very important decision, and frankly, if they make the wrong decision, it will be devastating for our country,” President Trump stated during a press briefing at the White House.
The administration argues that the tariffs—ranging from 10% to 50%—are essential tools for protecting American industries and combating illicit drug flows, particularly fentanyl trafficking. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that the appellate court’s decision has undermined U.S. leverage in sensitive trade talks.
If the Supreme Court agrees to fast-track the case, oral arguments could be heard as early as November, potentially setting the stage for a landmark ruling on executive economic powers before year-end.