What are the options if the Supreme Court rules against the Trump Administration’s tariffs?

The Supreme Court could soon be nearing a decision in the coming weeks on President Trump’s trade policy.

Trump has been pleading in recent days on social media for the high court to overturn the lower court rulings, which called his use of these tariffs illegal, but ag lawyer Roger McEowen points out that the White House has options if justices are not on his side.

“There are other tools that are not subject to whatever the Supreme Court would say in this case. This only involves IEEPA tariffs. It doesn’t involve the other types of tariffs. But the basic question before the court is whether the president’s tariffs under the IEEPA, both the fentanyl tariffs on China and Canada, and the tariffs, the reciprocal tariffs on everybody, is that a legal use of the law.”

McEowen says if the Supreme Court rules against the Trump Administration, it could complicate a number of issues, starting with U.S. revenue streams.

“We have a huge rebalancing of world trade, both in converting some purchasing to domestic sources and at least moving lots of import purchases to other foreign suppliers. That moves away from China, which is our most dangerous enemy. And you have many trade deals that the President has already negotiated. Those differ wildly from country to country, and it opens up foreign markets to our goods and increases our exports in certain areas of the world. It’s a total rebalancing.”

Supreme court justices have been mulling this case over for some time now, but this week, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Fox Business the ruling could come as soon as next month. Bessent also expects a new Fed Chair to be named around the same time, with current Chair Jerome Powell’s term ending in May.

Related Stories
National Land Realty’s Jeramy Stephens explains how rising input costs and economic uncertainty are impacting the farmland market and what landowners should watch moving forward.
Higher fuel costs are raising grain shipping expenses. RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney discusses how energy market disruptions are impacting farmers in new ways as the War in Iran continues.
Variety meat demand is helping offset weaker beef exports.
Corn exports remain the clear demand leader.
While the Farm Bill is top of mind right now, it is far from the only issue getting attention in Washington.
Lewie Pugh, with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, discusses EPA DEF system changes and what they mean for the supply chain and fuel costs.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Austin Rice with Specialty Risk Insurance shares guidance on handling storm damage, navigating the insurance claims process, and managing risk during a volatile planting season.
Eric Weaver with UNL joins us to share about a promising new HPAI vaccine, early test results, next steps in development, and its potential impact on the livestock industry.
California almond acreage tightens while pistachios shift into an off-year, shaping a mixed outlook for prices and supply in the tree nut market.
Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities joins us to break down the latest USDA crop progress report, share insights from growers, and discuss how global factors are shaping planting decisions this season.
House lawmakers push toward a Farm Bill vote as debate grows over E15, Prop 12, and input costs, with farmers seeking certainty and policy updates.
Special Episode | Friday, May 8 at 7:30 PM ET