The Trump administration has asked a U.S. appeals court to block a recent ruling declaring its sweeping tariffs illegal. The White House stated in an emergency motion to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals that stopping the tariffs poses a danger to crucial trade talks already underway with dozens of countries. 

The legal fight centers on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the statute Trump invoked to justify forcing aggressive tariffs on America’s trading partners. The latest request comes after two rulings, first from the U.S. Court of International Trade in Manhattan and then from a federal court in Washington, D.C., which stated the administration went beyond its authority under IEEPA.  The most recent ruling by Judge Rudolph Contreras stated clearly that IEEPA does not authorize the imposition of tariffs, a more direct rebuke than the earlier trade court decision.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trade Representative Jamieson Lee Greer were among the four senior Trump officials who submitted affidavits in support of the tariffs. They stressed that the legal uncertainty threatens fragile negotiations with dozens of other countries. The administration has also sought a broader, longer-term pause, though it has won a temporary stay in the first court ruling on appeal.

Among the tariffs under scrutiny are April “Liberation Day” measures levied against a broad range of imports and earlier ones imposed on Canada, Mexico, and China. All three nations deny contributing to fentanyl flow into the U.S., an allegation the administration has pressed.

China dispute escalates as U.S. seeks trade concessions

Tensions with China have intensified following new U.S. export restrictions and visa policies. Beijing responded by accusing Washington of breaching the fragile May 12 truce reached after months of tariff battles increases. The Chinese Commerce Ministry said the US undermined the agreement by limiting chip technology access and canceling student visas.

Uncertainty on who’s steering trade policy further clouds the U.S. position. Analysts note an apparent disconnect between the president, his negotiators, and the national security apparatus. “Beyond showing raw power, it’s unclear what the endgame is,” Arthur Kroeber of Gavekal Research said.

Despite the turmoil, the Trump administration continues to press forward with trade talks under a tight, self imposed deadline. Leaked this week, a draft letter from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative asks negotiation partners to submit their best offers by next Wednesday and agreements by early July.

Demands include tariff and quota concessions on US industrial and agricultural goods, digital trade commitments, and new economic security measures. USTR officials said discussions are underway with the European Union, Japan, Vietnam, and India.

Tariff strategy faces political and market pressure

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed on Sunday that Trump does not intend to extend a 90-day pause on tariffs that were put in place in April to give volatile financial markets a breather. Lutnick said on national television that the president is still committed to high-impact tariffs ranging from 11% to greater than 100%.

U.S. companies and markets are still feeling the effects. The lawsuit was brought by the toy makers Learning Resources Inc. and hand2mind, who say they will battle any further delay in blocking the tariffs. 

Trump’s advisers say multiple deals are close to completion despite legal and diplomatic headwinds. “We could sign lots of agreements right now,” Lutnick said. “But we want better ones—first-class deals for the American worker.”

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