New Delhi: Supreme Court of the United States has given a major setback to former US President Donald Trump. The court ruled that Trump did not have the legal power to impose heavy tariffs on other countries.
The judges said the tariffs were illegal because the President used emergency powers in the wrong way.
Court: President Cannot Decide Tariffs Alone
The court explained that only the US Congress has the authority to impose taxes and tariffs. The President cannot take this decision alone during normal times.
Trump had used an emergency law meant for serious national crises to justify the tariffs. But the court said this law cannot be used to introduce import taxes during peacetime.
Chief Justice John Roberts said the Constitution clearly gives taxation powers to Congress, not the President.
Decision Taken by 6–3 Vote
The judgment was passed with a 6–3 majority. Three judges — Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, and Brett Kavanaugh — disagreed and supported Trump’s view.
They argued that the tariffs could still be seen as legal based on past practices.
Big Impact on Trade and India
The decision may affect global trade, including relations between the US and India. India was one of the first countries affected when Trump announced “reciprocal tariffs” in April 2025.
The US had accused India of unfair trade rules and imposed high tariffs, partly because India continued buying oil from Russia. Later, tariff rates were reduced after trade talks between the two countries.
Economic Policy Faces Trouble
This ruling is seen as a big blow to Trump’s economic and foreign trade policy, where tariffs were used as a strong tool against many countries like China, India, and Mexico.
Experts say the US government may now have to return billions of dollars to importers who paid these tariffs.
What Happens Next?
The court decision blocks tariffs imposed under emergency powers, but future governments may still impose tariffs using other legal methods, though with stricter rules.