The three-judge panel ruled that these tariffs were "unconstitutional" because they exceeded the powers granted to the president under federal laws, most notably the Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977.
She also believed that Trump had made US trade policy "subject to his personal whims" and "caused economic chaos."
The ruling came after at least seven lawsuits, which noted that these measures do not fall within the executive powers granted to the president, but rather relate to the exclusive powers of the US Congress regarding trade policy.
The Trump administration filed an appeal against the ruling on Wednesday, stating in the filing, "This is notice that the defendants are appealing to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit the Court's opinion and final judgment issued on May 28, 2025."
White House spokesman Kush Desai condemned the decision, saying in a statement: "Unelected judges lack the capacity to properly manage a national emergency."
“President Trump has pledged to put America first, and the administration is committed to using all tools of executive power to respond to this crisis and restore America’s greatness,” Desai added.
By law, tariffs must normally be approved by Congress, but Trump claimed he had the authority to take these measures because the US trade deficit constitutes a national emergency, and he imposed tariffs on most countries around the world, causing market turmoil.
