Public opinion on Trump's tariffs may matter most

Last edited Sat Nov 15, 2025, 05:13 PM - Edit history (1)

By The Herald Editorial Board

It might not register as high drama among those who enjoy a good courtroom scene in television or movies, but U.S. Supreme Court oral arguments have their followers when a case involves constitutional questions regarding rights, duties or economic concerns.

On the docket here, recent oral arguments before the high court could determine the constitutional power of the president to use the specific tool of tariffs that are set against other countries but ultimately paid by American consumers.

Specifically, the court’s justices questioned attorneys for each side Nov. 5, regarding President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs, announced April 2. In setting those tariffs, Trump cited the International Emergency Economic Powers Act adopted by Congress in 1977 to impose a base of 10 percent tariffs, then adding country-specific rates, declaring an emergency to regulate trade.

The court now has to determine if that act, specifically the words “regulate … importation,” assumes the power to impose tariffs, although not specifically mentioned in the act.

https://www.heraldnet.com/opinion/editorial-public-opinion-on-trumps-tariffs-may-matter-most/