A divided Supreme Court signaled skepticism toward President Trump’s sweeping use of emergency powers to levy tariffs on nearly every U.S. trading partner, pressing the administration during nearly three hours of arguments on whether IEEPA authorizes such duties. Chief Justice John Roberts, Justice Amy Coney Barrett and Justice Neil Gorsuch questioned the statute’s text and separation of powers implications, while Justice Brett Kavanaugh appeared more receptive. Lower courts have deemed many tariffs illegal. The case could hinge on whether tariffs are taxes reserved to Congress or a foreign affairs tool of the executive.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.