Trump's Advisers Stand Firm on Tariffs Amid Legal Challenges

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
02/06/2025 01h16

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President Donald Trump's economic advisers reiterated their commitment to the current tariff policies on Sunday, even as the issue faces significant legal hurdles. Various top officials voiced their confidence in the tariffs' longevity, suggesting that the administration would explore alternative measures if necessary.

National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett expressed certainty that the U.S. Supreme Court would eventually uphold Trump's tariffs. "We are very confident that the judges will uphold this law. And so I think that's Plan A. And we're very, very confident that Plan A is all we're ever going to need," Hassett said on ABC News' "This Week." He also hinted at other possible strategies, though he did not delve into specifics.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick echoed these sentiments during an appearance on "Fox News Sunday." Despite a federal court's recent ruling that Trump had overstepped his authority by imposing these broad duties, Lutnick insisted that "tariffs are not going away."

This legal challenge began when the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) did not grant the president the power to impose universal tariffs. The Trump administration immediately appealed, and a federal appeals court temporarily stayed the ruling, adding a layer of complexity to an already contentious legal battle.

President Trump remains adamant that a court ruling against the tariffs would weaken America's negotiating position globally. "If the Courts somehow rule against" the tariffs, Trump warned on Truth Social, it would "allow other Countries to hold our Nation hostage with their anti-American Tariffs."

As the legal dispute proceeds, much of the uncertainty now hinges on whether the conservative-majority Supreme Court will side with the administration. The outcome will have profound implications not just for trade policies, but for the scope of presidential powers under the IEEPA.

While no date has been set for a conversation, it is likely that trade matters will be a key topic in any forthcoming discussions between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. For now, the administration remains steadfast, preparing for a potentially protracted battle in the courts.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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