Day After Being Blocked By Trade Court, Trump's Tariff To Remain In Effect As Appeals Court Grants Stay

A Federal court on Thursday temporarily paused the ruling of a United States trade court that blocked US President Donald Trump’s attempt to impose “liberation day” tariffs under emergency powers. The trade court had ruled that Trump had “exceeded his authority by enacting blanket tariffs” on nations that have a trade deficit with the USA.

The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington asserted that it was pausing the lower court’s ruling to consider the government’s appeal, and directed the plaintiffs to respond by June 5 and the government by June 9. 

What did the Federal Court of Appeal say?

The court stated that, “The request for an immediate administrative stay is granted to the extent that the judgments and the permanent injunction entered by the Court of International Trade in these cases are temporarily stayed until further notice while this court considers the motions papers,” as reported by The Independent.

What had the trade court ruled?

A three-judge bench of the Court of International Trade in Manhattan asserted that the constitution grants this power to the Congress and it cannot be overridden by imposing emergency powers. 

“The court does not pass upon the wisdom or likely effectiveness of the President's use of tariffs as leverage. That use is impermissible not because it is unwise or ineffective, but because federal law does not allow it," the panel said.

What did Trump say?

Trump had criticised the trade court’s decision claiming that, "The horrific decision stated that I would have to get the approval of Congress for these Tariffs. If allowed to stand, this would completely destroy Presidential Power — The Presidency would never be the same! This decision is being hailed all over the World by every Country, other than the United States of America."