The Trump administration has asked an appeals court to suspend a ruling that blocked its tariffs.
The Trump administration has asked a U.S. appeals court to block a recent ruling declaring its broad tariffs illegal. The White House stated in an emergency motion to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals that halting the tariffs poses a danger to crucial ongoing trade discussions with dozens of countries.
The legal battle centers on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the statute Trump invoked to justify imposing 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, then from a federal court in Washington, D.C., which stated that the administration had exceeded its authority under the IEEPA. The most recent ruling by Judge Rudolph Contreras clearly stated that the IEEPA does not authorize the imposition of tariffs, a more direct rebuke than the earlier ruling from the trade court.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trade Representative Jamieson Lee Greer were among four senior Trump officials who submitted affidavits in support of the tariffs. They emphasized that legal uncertainty threatens fragile negotiations with dozens of other countries. The administration has also sought a broader, longer-term pause, although it received a temporary suspension in the first ruling of the appeals court.
Among the tariffs under scrutiny are the 'Liberation Day' measures imposed in April against a wide range of imports and previous ones imposed on Canada, Mexico, and China. The three nations deny having contributed to the flow of fentanyl into the United States, an allegation that the administration has insisted upon.
The dispute with China is escalating as the United States seeks trade concessions.
Tensions with China have intensified following new U.S. export restrictions and visa policies. Beijing has reacted by accusing Washington of violating the fragile truce reached on May 12 after months of tariff battles. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce stated that the U.S. has undermined the agreement by limiting access to chip technology and cancelling student visas.
The uncertainty over who is directing trade policy further darkens the position of the United States. Analysts note an apparent gap between the president, his negotiators, and the national security apparatus. 'Beyond showing raw power, it is unclear what the end goal is,' said Arthur Kroeber of Gavekal Research.
Despite the turmoil, the Trump administration continues to move forward with trade negotiations under a strict and self-imposed deadline. Leaked this week, a draft letter from the U.S. Trade Representative’s office asks negotiating partners to submit their best offers by next Wednesday and agreements by early July.
The requests include tariff concessions and quotas on American industrial and agricultural goods, commitments on digital trade, and new economic security measures. USTR officials stated that discussions are ongoing with the European Union, Japan, Vietnam, and India.
The tariff strategy is facing political and market pressures.
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 provide relief to volatile financial markets. Lutnick stated on national television that the president is still committed to high-impact tariffs ranging from 11% to over 100%.
American businesses and markets are still feeling the effects. The lawsuit was filed by toy manufacturers Learning Resources Inc. and hand2mind, who claim they will fight against any further delays in blocking the tariffs.
Trump's advisors claim that several agreements are close to finalization despite legal and diplomatic headwinds. 'We could sign many agreements right now,' Lutnick said. 'But we want better agreements - first-class agreements for the American worker.'
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