A federal appeals court has temporarily reinstated President Donald Trump's tariffs in May 2025, a day after a trade court blocked them. The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington paused the lower court's decision, allowing the government to appeal.
The appeals court has directed plaintiffs to present arguments by June 5, with the administration responding by June 9. The initial ruling had blocked tariffs imposed under a law granting the president special powers during emergencies, arguing that the Constitution gives Congress the exclusive authority to regulate international commerce.
The US government argues that political branches, not courts, should decide on foreign and economic policy. Trump has criticized the trade court's order, hoping the Supreme Court will reverse it. These tariffs, including a 25% tax on imported automobiles and foreign-made steel and aluminum, remain a contentious issue in 2025.