Attorney General Charity Clark has commented on the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision concerning tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. The ruling determined that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not grant the President authority to impose tariffs, stating this power belongs to Congress.
Clark issued a statement following the Court’s decision: “Today the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of our multistate coalition declaring President Trump’s broad tariffs unconstitutional. The Court held that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act or IEEPA does not authorize the President to impose tariffs – a tax on Americans. This is a win for Vermont families and small businesses who have been impacted by rising costs caused [by] the President’s unlawful tariffs. This is also a win for the rule of law – the Court held that President cannot usurp authority the Constitution vests in Congress.”
The case was brought by a coalition of states challenging former President Trump’s use of emergency powers to levy widespread tariffs, arguing it led to increased prices for consumers and small businesses. The Supreme Court’s decision clarifies that only Congress can enact such taxes or tariffs, reaffirming legislative authority over trade policy.
