WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — The Supreme Court is hearing arguments in the case challenging President Donald Trump’s trade tariff policy. The question before the justices is whether the International Emergency Economic Powers Act gave the president authority to impose these tariffs.
Justices will ask questions about how the law was used, including its predecessor, the Trading with the Enemy Act, and whether the tariffs count as regulatory or revenue-generating. The mechanism President Trump used to roll out the tariff plan stemmed from a 1970’s 1970s-era law.
Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) has been watching the back-and-forth since these tariffs were rolled out. He told agriculture reporters this week that no matter what the court decides, he believes the ruling will put the issue to rest once and for all.
“Well, if they would vote that the President doesn’t have the authority under the 77 law, it would be a very clear message that he misinterpreted what Congress intended to do in 1977 and would reaffirm the extent of that bill,” Sen. Grassley said.
U.S. Solicitor General D. John Sauber is speaking on behalf of the Trump Administration. The hearing is scheduled for 80 minutes, but it could run longer. Oral arguments begin at 10:00 AM ET. RFD-TV News will be watching the hearing for developments. Stay tuned for updates on the Market Day Report and Rural Evening News.
Legal Expert Roger McEowen Weighs in on Tariff Hearing, Farm Bill Outlook
As the Supreme Court takes up arguments in a high-profile tariff case, legal experts are weighing in on what the outcome could mean for the balance of power between the executive and judicial branches.
RFD-TV farm legal expert, Roger McEowen, with the Washburn School of Law, joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to discuss how the hearing could offer early insight into how the justices view the issue or if a final decision may take some time.
In his interview with RFD-TV News, McEowen notes that the ruling could have long-term implications on future administrations’ authority to control U.S. trade policy.
McEowen also addressed growing questions within agriculture about the future of a stand-alone farm bill. With significant provisions already included in a larger legislative package, he says producers and lawmakers are debating what key issues remain unaddressed.
While there has been talk of a “skinny farm bill” to tackle core programs, McEowen says it remains uncertain whether that approach will gain traction in Congress.
