Rep. Chu Applauds Supreme Court Decision Striking Down Trump’s Tariffs

PASADENA, CA – Today, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in Learning Resources v. Trump that President Trump does not have authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs. 

Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee that has jurisdiction over international trade, released the following statement:

“Today’s Supreme Court ruling is a major victory for the American people,” said Rep. Chu. “Donald Trump never had the legal authority to impose his reckless tariffs. This blatant abuse of emergency powers has crushed small businesses, taken money out of American families’ pockets, and strained relationships with our closest allies. 

From the beginning, these tariffs functioned exactly as we warned: a massive tax increase on American families and small businesses. Just days before imposing them, Trump said he “couldn’t care less” if Americans paid higher prices—and that is exactly what happened. According to a new Joint Economic Committee Minority report, American families have already paid more than $231 billion in tariff costs since Trump took office—an average of more than $1,700 per family. That is money taken directly out of Americans’ pockets because of policies that were illegal from the start. 

Across the San Gabriel Valley, I have heard from countless business owners who saw their costs spike overnight, drained their savings, laid off staff, and were even forced to take on massive debt just to keep their doors open. While today’s decision is an important step toward restoring accountability, it is vital that we deliver rapid, meaningful relief to small businesses and families who were needlessly harmed by this unlawful economic disaster.”