Former US President Donald Trump has intensified his legal and political battle over his controversial trade tariffs, urging the US Supreme Court to urgently intervene after a federal appeals court deemed most of his measures illegal under emergency powers law. The development marks a critical moment in Trump’s continued push to defend his sweeping trade policies, which have reshaped global commerce and triggered diplomatic tensions with multiple countries.

Supreme Court petition for urgent hearing

In a petition filed late Wednesday, Trump’s legal team asked the Supreme Court to overturn the ruling by the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, which found that the majority of his tariff program exceeded the legal authority granted to the presidency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). While the appeals court allowed the tariffs to remain in place temporarily, it signaled serious doubts about their legality, prompting Trump to seek immediate judicial relief.

Trump has maintained that the US President holds broad constitutional powers to impose sweeping tariffs when national security or global stability is at stake. His legal argument centers on the claim that Congress gave presidents sufficient leeway through emergency powers legislation to act decisively against what he calls “unfair trade practices and geopolitical threats.”

Tariffs and sanctions linked to Russia and India

In his latest remarks, Trump linked his tariff policies directly to his broader strategy against Russia. He argued that the steep levies placed on Indian imports were effectively secondary sanctions against Moscow, given India’s position as one of the largest purchasers of Russian oil outside China.

Earlier in August, the US slapped a 25% tariff on Indian goods, which was followed by an additional 25% secondary sanction on August 27, bringing the total levy to 50%. Trump defended the move, saying it had already cost Russia “hundreds of billions of dollars” by targeting its key oil buyers.

During a joint press conference with the Polish President at the White House, Trump emphasized that these measures were part of a phased strategy:

“Would you say that putting secondary sanctions on India, the largest purchaser outside China, they are almost equal? Would you say there was no action? That cost hundreds of billions of dollars to Russia. I haven’t done Phase-2 yet or Phase-3.”

His remarks highlighted that further trade penalties, labeled as Phase-2 and Phase-3 tariffs, remain on the table, creating uncertainty for both allies and rivals.

Temporary suspension of tariffs on China

Interestingly, while India faced escalating tariffs, the US temporarily suspended additional duties on China until November 2025, signaling a tactical pause in Washington’s trade war with Beijing. Analysts suggest that the suspension could be aimed at providing room for back-channel negotiations with China while simultaneously keeping pressure on countries like India that continue economic engagement with Russia.

This dual-track strategy underscores Trump’s attempt to balance economic leverage with geopolitical messaging. By hitting India with severe tariffs while holding off on China temporarily, Trump has sent a message that US trade policy under his leadership will remain aggressive, unpredictable, and closely tied to foreign policy objectives.

Wider implications for global trade

The ongoing legal fight and tariff escalation carry broad implications for global trade markets, particularly as countries adjust to shifting US policies. For India, the tariffs could have a significant impact on exports ranging from textiles to technology, complicating its trade outlook. For Russia, the indirect blow through sanctions on its buyers represents a tightening noose on its oil-dependent economy.

On the legal front, the Supreme Court’s decision to accept or decline the case will have long-lasting implications for the balance of power between Congress and the presidency when it comes to economic sanctions and tariffs. If the court upholds Trump’s position, it would significantly expand presidential authority in trade matters. If it rules against him, it could permanently curtail unilateral tariff powers, reshaping how future administrations approach trade enforcement.

Conclusion

Trump’s move to seek Supreme Court intervention after his tariffs were deemed largely illegal highlights the high stakes of this legal showdown. Beyond the courtroom, the decision carries weighty consequences for US-India relations, US-China trade dynamics, and global efforts to isolate Russia economically.

As the Supreme Court considers whether to take up the case, businesses, diplomats, and governments worldwide will be watching closely, knowing that the ruling could reshape not just Trump’s political legacy, but also the broader framework of US trade policy in the 21st century.

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