The White House on Thursday strongly criticized a US federal court ruling that struck down former President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs on a range of imports, calling it an overreach that undermines presidential powers in matters of foreign policy and trade.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, in a fiery press briefing, denounced the decision by the US Court of International Trade in Manhattan, saying the judges had failed to recognize the constitutional and congressional authority vested in the president to protect national security through trade measures.
“These judges failed to acknowledge that the president of the United States has core foreign affairs powers and authority given to him by Congress to protect the United States’ economy and national security. The courts should have no role here,” Leavitt said.
The court had ruled that Trump’s broad imposition of tariffs, which included 30% duties on Chinese imports, 25% on selected goods from Mexico and Canada, and a 10% general tariff on many other imports, exceeded his legal authority under emergency economic powers. Tariffs on autos, steel, and aluminium remain unaffected by the ruling.
Leavitt accused the judiciary of inserting itself into diplomatic and trade decisions, warning that such interference could derail sensitive negotiations.
“There is a troubling and dangerous trend of unelected judges inserting themselves into the presidential decision-making process… America cannot function if President Trump or any other president has their sensitive diplomatic or trade negotiations railroaded by activist judges,” she added.
“President Trump is in the process of rebalancing America’s trading agreements with the entire world, bringing tens of billions of dollars in tariff revenues to our country and finally ending the United States of America from being ripped off.”
Leavitt argued that the ruling damages US credibility on the global stage and confirmed that the administration has filed an emergency motion for a stay on the ruling, as well as an immediate administrative stay.
“Ultimately, the Supreme Court must put an end to this in the sake of our Constitution and our country,” she concluded.
The court’s decision now sets the stage for a high-stakes legal showdown, with potential implications for executive authority, US-China relations, and global trade policy.
While legal experts debate the limits of presidential trade powers, the administration is doubling down on its stance that foreign policy and economic security decisions lie squarely with the White House—not the judiciary.
Key Points:
- US court blocks large parts of Trump’s sweeping tariffs.
- White House says ruling threatens presidential foreign policy authority.
- Emergency motion filed; administration vows to escalate to Supreme Court.
- Tariffs on steel, aluminium, and autos remain in effect.
- Legal and constitutional battle expected to intensify.