Small Businesses Urge Supreme Court to Overturn Trump Tariffs

UPDATE: Small businesses are making a bold stand against President Trump’s tariffs, arguing they represent a staggering illegal tax on Americans. In a David versus Goliath showdown, these businesses filed a brief with the Supreme Court on Monday, claiming the tariffs are an overreach of presidential power.

The brief argues that taxing Americans is an “odd way to combat foreign threats,” urging the justices to uphold lower court rulings that the tariffs violate the Constitution. The case centers on Trump’s use of the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose his controversial “Liberation Day” duties, a move critics say lawmakers never intended.

Why This Matters NOW: If the Supreme Court rules against Trump, it could dismantle his entire economic policy and impact millions of Americans. The implications are enormous, with the group of Democrat-controlled states backing the small businesses by asserting that only Congress has the authority to impose tariffs.

“We urge the Court to reject the President’s attempt to seize taxing power for himself,” the states claim in their brief, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance of power.

The Court of International Trade previously ruled against Trump, stating he lacks “unbounded authority” to impose such sweeping import taxes. This decision was upheld by the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, setting the stage for the Supreme Court to weigh in on this critical separation of powers issue.

Solicitor General D. John Sauer warned of dire consequences if the tariffs are overturned, suggesting that millions of jobs could be lost and financial support for Social Security and Medicare could be jeopardized. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added that the significant amounts already collected in tariffs complicate the justices’ potential ruling against Trump.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments on this pressing matter on November 5. As businesses and states await the decision, the ripple effects of this case are poised to impact the future of American trade policy and economic stability.

Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops. The stakes couldn’t be higher for American consumers and businesses alike.