• Economy
  • Editor’s Pick
Money Rise Today – Investing and Stock News
  • Investing
  • Stock
Editor's Pick

Tariff case pits Cato Institute against Trump over ‘unlimited’ executive power under emergency law

by July 9, 2025
written by July 9, 2025

The Cato Institute is warning that the federal government is testing the outer limits of executive power with President Donald Trump’s use of emergency tariffs, and it wants the courts to put a stop to it.

In a new amicus brief filed in V.O.S. Selections, Inc. v. Trump, Cato argues that the president overstepped his legal authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) by imposing steep tariffs on imports from countries including China, Mexico and Canada.

The libertarian thinktank argues the move undermines the Constitution’s separation of powers and expands executive authority over trade in ways Congress never intended.

‘This is an important case about whether the president can impose tariffs essentially whenever he wants,’ Cato Institute legal fellow Brent Skorup said in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital. ‘There has to be a limit — and this administration hasn’t offered one.’

‘Tariff rates went up to 145% on some products from China,’ he said. ‘And the president’s lawyers couldn’t offer a limiting principle. That tells you the administration believes there’s no real cap, and that’s a problem.’

Cato’s brief urges the appeals court to uphold a lower court ruling that found the tariffs exceeded the president’s statutory authority. The U.S. Court of International Trade ruled earlier this year that the president’s use of IEEPA in this case was not legally authorized. The court said the law does not permit the use of tariffs as a general tool to fight drug trafficking or trade imbalances.

Skorup said in court the administration was unable to define a clear limit on its authority under IEEPA. 

‘They couldn’t articulate a cap,’ he said. ‘There’s nothing in the law that mentions duties or tariffs. That’s a job for Congress.’

The administration has defended its actions, arguing that IEEPA provides the necessary tools for the president to act swiftly in times of national emergency. Trump officials maintain that both the fentanyl crisis and America’s trade vulnerabilities qualify.

‘There are real emergencies, no one disputes that,’ Skorup said. ‘But declaring an emergency to justify global tariffs or solve domestic trade issues goes far beyond what most Americans would recognize as a legitimate use of emergency powers.’

Skorup acknowledged that the real issue may be how much discretion Congress gave the president in the first place. 

‘It’s a bipartisan problem. Presidents from both parties have taken vague laws and stretched them. Congress bears some of the blame for writing them that way,’ he said, adding that’s why courts should ‘step in and draw the line.’

For small businesses like V.O.S. Selections, the costs go beyond legal fees. Skorup said businesses who rely on imports, like V.O.S., have struggled to plan ahead as tariffs have been paused and reinstated repeatedly.

Skorup said there are several small businesses that rely on global imports and it becomes a ‘matter of survival’ when tariff rates change unexpectedly.

‘V.O.S. Selections imports wine and spirits and when the tariff rates go up unexpectedly, they can’t get products to their distributors as planned,’ he said. ‘And that’s true for others too, like pipe importers and specialized manufacturers. These companies don’t have the flexibility to absorb those costs or adjust overnight.’

If the appeals court sides with the administration, it could mark a major expansion of presidential power over trade policy. Skorup warned that such a ruling would allow future presidents to take similar actions with little oversight.

‘It would bless Congress’ ability to hand over immense economic power to the president,’ he said. ‘That would blur the separation of powers that the Constitution is supposed to protect.’

A decision from the appeals court is expected later this year.

The White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS
0 comment
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

previous post
Biden’s strange use of teleprompter in donor’s home infuriated supporters, dashed expectations
next post
Boeing delivers most airplanes since late 2023 after ramping up 737 Max output

related articles

Trump taps Sean Duffy to serve as interim...

July 10, 2025

Watchdog backs Rubio’s sanctions on UN official over...

July 10, 2025

Biden doctor pleads the Fifth in speedy House...

July 9, 2025

Far-left firebrand says she ‘never had a concern’...

July 9, 2025

US-backed Gaza aid group launches bold new system...

July 9, 2025

New book sheds light on Harris decision to...

July 9, 2025

Biden doctor dodges questions in speedy House closed-door...

July 9, 2025

Sotomayor breaks with Jackson in Supreme Court decision...

July 9, 2025

Senate Republican moves to give US an edge...

July 9, 2025

DOJ lands legal victory as federal judge allows...

July 9, 2025
Enter Your Information Below To Receive Free Trading Ideas, Latest News, And Articles.


Your information is secure and your privacy is protected. By opting in you agree to receive emails from us. Remember that you can opt-out any time, we hate spam too!

Latest News

  • Blinken says Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro lost election before claiming victory with ‘no supporting evidence’

    August 2, 2024
  • Vance in ‘catbird seat’ for 2028 GOP presidential nomination, but these Republicans may also run

    November 12, 2024
  • US confirms 104% tariffs on Chinese imports effective April 9: ‘Additional tariff will be collected starting tomorrow’

    April 9, 2025
  • President Trump highlighting US military in a unique way

    March 8, 2025
  • President Trump slams Rosie O’Donnell after she flees US: ‘You’re better off not knowing’ her

    March 13, 2025

Popular Posts

  • 1

    Secret Service admits leaning on ‘state and local partners’ after claim it ignored Trump team’s past requests

    July 21, 2024
  • 2

    Elon and Vivek should tackle US funding for this boondoogle organization and score a multimillion dollar win

    December 4, 2024
  • 3

    Five more House Democrats call on Biden to drop out, third US senator

    July 19, 2024
  • 4

    Forex Profit Calculator: Maximize Your Trading Potential

    July 10, 2024
  • 5

    Biden calls to ‘lower the temperature’ then bashes Trump in NAACP speech

    July 17, 2024

Categories

  • Economy (829)
  • Editor's Pick (5,293)
  • Investing (634)
  • Stock (836)

Latest Posts

  • Trump removes Antony Blinken, Letitia James, Alvin Bragg’s security clearances among others

    February 9, 2025
  • Harris said candidates must ‘earn’ voter support — despite skipping primaries before becoming Dem nominee

    October 8, 2024
  • Trump to make English official language of US in new executive order

    February 28, 2025

Recent Posts

  • Bitcoin fails to stabilize which triggers another pullback

    August 19, 2024
  • Putin viewed as ‘great competitor’ but still a US ‘adversary’ as Ukraine negotiations loom, Leavitt says

    February 12, 2025
  • Trump talks with Putin, spars with South African leader, threatens EU tariff hike in 18th week in office

    May 24, 2025

Editor’s Pick

  • The new map that could be guiding Trump’s Middle East moves

    June 20, 2025
  • Bitcoin price under new pressure at the start of the week

    August 12, 2024
  • TikTok to withdraw Lite Rewards program permanently from EU amid safety concerns

    August 5, 2024
  • About us
  • Contacts
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

Disclaimer: moneyrisetoday.com, its managers, its employees, and assigns (collectively “The Company”) do not make any guarantee or warranty about what is advertised above. Information provided by this website is for research purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. Any investments recommended here should be taken into consideration only after consulting with your investment advisor and after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of the company.

Copyright © 2025 moneyrisetoday.com | All Rights Reserved

Money Rise Today – Investing and Stock News
  • Economy
  • Editor’s Pick
Money Rise Today – Investing and Stock News
  • Investing
  • Stock