Editorial | Nicolapps, Human Rights Defender
In a historic decision, a federal court has halted one of the most controversial tools of the Trump administration: the imposition of sweeping tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). This ruling is not only a blow to former President Trump’s economic policies, but also a powerful defense of the balance of powers and the rule of law in the United States.
During his second term, Donald Trump turned tariffs into his primary weapon of international negotiation. Through what he called “Economic Liberation Day,” he aimed to impose tariffs of up to 15% on imports from countries with which the U.S. runs trade deficits—without congressional approval. His administration claimed this was a response to a “national emergency.” But the court has spoken clearly: a president’s whims do not constitute an extraordinary threat that justifies such unilateral actions.
The U.S. Court of International Trade—composed of judges appointed by presidents from different political parties—concluded that Trump overstepped his authority. The ruling makes it clear that not even under IEEPA can the president impose blanket tariffs without real, verifiable justification. It is a timely reminder: presidential power is not absolute.
Trump’s tariffs affected allied countries like Canada, Mexico, and China, with justifications ranging from the fight against synthetic opioids to curbing illegal immigration. Yet the consequences were different: rising prices for food, cars, and raw materials, and a blow to supply chains that hurt both large corporations and small businesses. Just listen to small importers like V.O.S. Selections, whose owner fears his business may not survive these erratic trade policies.
And what of the “trade deficit” being labeled a national emergency? The U.S. has run trade deficits for 49 consecutive years—this is a structural reality of global commerce, not a sudden crisis. Using it as a pretext to bypass Congress is not just a misinterpretation of the law—it’s a threat to democracy itself.
The American people deserve transparency, legality, and institutional respect. Public policy cannot be driven by personal impulses—especially when it impacts millions of workers, consumers, and entrepreneurs. The court’s decision is a victory for those of us who believe in the rule of law, and in a global economy that, though imperfect, must be governed by clear rules, dialogue, and institutional accountability.
From a human rights perspective, we raise our voice: the law must not be used as a political weapon or as a cover for authoritarian tendencies disguised as nationalism. True leadership is not imposed by decree—it is built through justice, legality, and respect for the rights of all.
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