Presidential emergency powers a looming issue at Supreme Court

President Donald Trump faced his first major policy test before the Supreme Court on Wednesday, with his tariffs under scrutiny. The case is the first of likely many where his emergency powers are under the microscope by the high court.

Trump cited declared emergencies over fentanyl and trade deficits to justify his tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act; however, the key question at the center of Wednesday’s arguments was whether IEEPA authorizes a tariff power for the president. Other declared emergencies are facing scrutiny in lower courts, including ones involving the use of the National Guard and the Alien Enemies Act.