White House Challenges Rulings That Undermine Trump’s Tariff Strategy

The Trump administration is pushing back against court decisions that deem its tariff policies unlawful and disruptive. Officials argue these rulings interfere with sensitive international negotiations and weaken the president’s authority.

Two toy companies filed a lawsuit that led to a judge ruling Trump lacked the power to impose tariffs. The judge concluded that the president cannot use tariffs to restructure the global economy without congressional approval.

District Judge Rudolph Contreras supported the earlier ruling from the Court of International Trade but narrowed its impact. His order blocked tariff enforcement only against the companies that filed the lawsuit, rather than issuing a blanket ban.

Afterward, a federal appeals court placed a temporary hold on the broader trade court ruling. This move gave the Trump administration a chance to defend the tariffs and maintain their position during ongoing negotiations.

In a court filing on Monday, the Justice Department criticized Contreras’ ruling, calling it flawed and damaging. They claim the decision undercuts trade discussions by weakening the perception that the tariffs are a credible threat.

Furthermore, government attorneys stated that legal jurisdiction over trade matters belongs to the Court of International Trade. They argue that Judge Contreras should not have ruled on the case in the first place.