5 THINGS YOU NEED TO NOW: Judge brings Trump's global tariff war to a screeching halt

Washington D.C.: A federal trade court on Wednesday blocked Donald Trump from imposing sweeping tariffs on imports under an emergency-powers law. Here are 5 things you need to know.

1. What the court said

A federal trade court has blocked Donald Trump from imposing sweeping tariffs on imports using the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), ruling that he exceeded his authority and that the law does not grant the president the power to regulate imports via tariffs.

2. Who brought the case before the court?

The court’s unanimous decision came after multiple lawsuits from small businesses and several states, with plaintiffs arguing that only Congress can approve tariffs and that trade deficits do not constitute the kind of "unusual and extraordinary threat" required for emergency powers.

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3. Why did Trump impose tariffs?

Trump had imposed tariffs on most countries, claiming national emergencies like trade deficits and illegal trafficking, but the court found these justifications insufficient and outside the scope of the IEEPA.

4. What happens next?

The ruling orders the administration to remove the tariffs within 10 days and permanently enjoins their operation, reaffirming that trade policy cannot be dictated by presidential whim and must adhere to constitutional and statutory limits.

5. How was the ruling received?

The decision was issued by a bipartisan three-judge panel and is expected to be appealed by the Trump administration; meanwhile, the ruling was hailed by affected businesses and state officials as a victory for the rule of law and proper separation of powers