DE Governor Matt Meyer & AG Kathy Jennings React to SCOTUS Ruling on Tariffs
On Friday, the US Supreme court struck down the Trump Administration’s International Emergency Economic Powers Act tariffs. By a vote of 6 to 3, the Court wiped out the 10% tariff that President Trump imposed on nearly every country as well as several specific higher tariffs on US trading partners – including Canada, Mexico, China and others. While the President called the Court’s decision a betrayal, Delaware Governor Matt Meyer and AG Kathy Jennings call it a decisive victory for the rule of law, common sense and affordability.
“The court’s ruling is a decisive victory for the rule of law, for common sense, and for affordability,” said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “It affirms what we knew all along: the disastrous “emergency” tariffs were completely illegal. The power of the purse rests with Congress, not the president – and it also means that working families will no longer be forced to pay an extra $1,000 in taxes according to the President’s daily mood.”
“Trump’s unilateral decision to raise the cost of goods on Americans was struck down by the Supreme Court today and we couldn’t be more grateful for Attorney General Jennings’ for her leadership on behalf of Delawareans, and her tireless advocacy fighting to bring costs down and make life more affordable for all Americans,” said Governor Matt Meyer.
U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement after the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that President Trump does not have the authority to impose tariffs on countries around the world under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act:
“Today’s decision makes clear that the Constitution gives Congress, and Congress alone, the power to implement taxes and tariffs, and that President Trump’s arbitrary tariff regime is as unlawful as it is unwise. President Trump’s signature economic policy has raised prices on everyday goods for Americans, squeezed businesses large and small in Delaware and across the country, and strained relationships with our partners and allies around the world. The tariffs have stifled manufacturers that need products from abroad and done nothing to strengthen the American industries they were supposed to help. Blocking them is a victory for the rule of law, our economy, our national security, and above all, common sense.
“I know many of my Republican colleagues are privately breathing sighs of relief this morning at the court’s decision. They should instead be asking themselves why they didn’t use their legislative authority to do more to stop these tariffs when they had the chance – and what they’ll do differently next time when President Trump inevitably tries again.”