Trump Faces Legal Setback as Court Strikes Down Tariffs
On May 29, 2025, President Donald Trump suffered a major legal defeat as a federal trade court struck down his reciprocal tariffs, ruling that he had exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The court’s decision blocks Trump’s steep import duties on Canada, Mexico, and China, which were imposed to combat trade imbalances.
Trump’s Response to the Ruling
The Trump administration immediately appealed the decision, arguing that the tariffs were necessary to protect American industries. The ruling is expected to impact ongoing trade negotiations, with European and Asian markets reacting positively to the news.
Supreme Court Unlikely to Intervene
Legal experts suggest that the Supreme Court may not step in to save Trump’s tariffs, as the Court of International Trade’s unanimous ruling signals a strong legal precedent against the administration’s trade policies.
Trump’s Approval Rating Holds Steady
Despite the legal setback, Trump’s approval rating remained at 45%, with 51% disapproving of his performance. His numbers have stabilized after a late-April polling slump, though concerns over tariffs and economic uncertainty persist.
May 29, 2025, underscored the complexities of Trump’s leadership, blending legal battles, economic policy disputes, and political challenges. It highlighted the administration’s ongoing efforts to navigate domestic and global challenges.