Federal appeals court temporarily reinstates Trump tariffs citing national security

A federal appeals court has temporarily reinstated most of President Donald Trump's tariffs after a lower court blocked them, citing national security concerns.

The Court of Appeals granted the Trump administration's emergency motion, stating that halting the tariffs would harm the country's national security. This ruling pauses the Court of International Trade's decision that had invalidated dozens of country-specific tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

The Trump administration immediately appealed the lower court's ruling, setting the stage for a prolonged legal battle over the president's trade policies, which aim to refocus the American economy on manufacturing but risk raising prices for small businesses and consumers.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt criticized the lower court's decision, calling the judges "activist judges" and warning they "are threatening to undermine the credibility of the United States on the world stage." Meanwhile, trade adviser Peter Navarro assured the public, "I can assure you, American people, that the Trump tariff agenda is alive, well, healthy, and will be implemented to protect you, to save your jobs and your factories."

Legal experts remain uncertain about the final outcome, noting that other courts might interpret the emergency authority differently. Despite the temporary reinstatement, the administration is considering alternative legal avenues, including invoking other sections of the Trade Act of 1974 and the Trade Act of 1930 to maintain tariffs.

The ruling has also influenced financial markets, with US stocks moving higher amid ongoing tariff uncertainty. Investors continue to watch closely as the legal and political battles over trade policy unfold.

Department of Justice attorney Sosun Bae expressed frustration with the judicial process, stating that "the judicial coup is out of control." The Liberty Justice Center, representing companies opposing the tariffs, described the appeals court's decision as "merely a procedural step as the court considers the governments request for a longer stay pending appeal."

This temporary reinstatement underscores the contentious and evolving nature of US trade policy under the Trump administration, highlighting the balance between national security claims and legal authority.

A federal appeals court temporarily reinstated most of President Donald Trump's tariffs, citing national security concerns, after a lower court blocked them. The ruling pauses the Court of International Trade's decision, allowing tariffs imposed under emergency powers to remain while legal battles continue.