A federal appeals court has issued a temporary stay on a recent ruling by the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) that blocked the implementation of tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump. The decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit effectively restores Trump’s authority to apply tariffs under emergency economic powers, pending further legal arguments from both sides.
The court instructed the involved parties to submit written briefs, with a schedule extending into early next month. This legal maneuver prolongs uncertainty over a key component of Trump’s trade and economic agenda—an agenda that has been the subject of extensive legal challenges and political debate.
Legal Showdown Over Tariff Powers
The original ruling by the CIT found that Trump had overstepped his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) by implementing sweeping tariffs. These included what the Trump administration called “Liberation Day” tariffs, announced in April, as well as additional tariffs aimed at nations such as China, Mexico, and Canada. The purpose of these tariffs was to counter illicit substances like fentanyl entering the U.S. through international supply chains.
However, the CIT did not strike down tariffs imposed under separate legal authority, such as the 25% duties on automobiles, auto parts, steel, and aluminum—those had been enacted under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act.
The Trump administration filed an appeal just hours after the CIT ruling, quickly escalating the matter through the judicial system. Officials also signaled that if a stay was not granted, the administration would pursue the matter all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Pushback and Support
Top Trump adviser Peter Navarro emphasized that the administration was prepared for legal resistance and was evaluating additional strategies to preserve the tariffs. He stated that the White House remains committed to using tariffs as a tool to protect American workers and industries.
Navarro also confirmed that the Office of the United States Trade Representative would be announcing a formal response. He assured the public that the tariff policy remains “alive and well.”
Meanwhile, the Liberty Justice Center, which represents several small businesses challenging the tariffs, called the appeals court’s decision “a procedural step.” Jeffrey Schwab, senior counsel for the organization, said he believes the Federal Circuit will eventually reject the government’s appeal, emphasizing the ongoing financial harm the tariffs cause to small companies.
The original case heard by the CIT combined two separate lawsuits—one led by the Liberty Justice Center on behalf of small business plaintiffs like wine importer VOS Selections, and another brought by a coalition of twelve Democratic-led states. The CIT panel unanimously ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, giving the federal government a 10-day window to retract the blocked tariffs.
Further Developments in Related Cases
While the legal battle over the broader tariff policy continues, other cases have emerged. In a separate federal lawsuit, U.S. District Court Judge Rudolph Contreras ruled in favor of two American toy companies—Learning Resources and hand2mind—stating they would face irreparable damage if subjected to Trump’s tariffs.
Contreras also found that IEEPA does not explicitly permit the use of tariffs as a tool, casting doubt on the legal basis of Trump’s policy. However, the judge delayed the enforcement of his own preliminary injunction for two weeks to allow time for an appeal.
The Trump administration has since appealed this ruling as well, directing the matter to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.
With the appeals court now requiring briefs from both parties by early June, the legal process is far from over. While the temporary stay has granted the administration a brief reprieve, the ultimate fate of the tariffs—and the authority under which they were imposed—will depend on the outcomes of these ongoing legal challenges.
