Attacks on Democracy

January 6th, election interference, acts of authoritarianism, voter suppression, and systematic undermining of democratic institutions.

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How Trump's Tariffs Could Survive the Supreme Court Ruling

How Trump's Tariffs Could Survive the Supreme Court Ruling

The Supreme Court ruled that President Trump's use of tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) was unconstitutional, but he can turn to other legal authorities to maintain his trade policies. These include statutes such as Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, Section 301 of the Trade Act, and Section 338 of the Tariff Act, each with varying limitations and legal uncertainties. While the ruling limits Trump's ability to broadly impose tariffs under IEEPA, he retains several tools to reintroduce tariffs selectively, though these options may face legal challenges and political scrutiny.

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Bye, tariffs! Also: Stephen Colbert and the press clause.

Bye, tariffs! Also: Stephen Colbert and the press clause.

The Supreme Court invalidated Donald Trump's tariffs, ruling 6–3 that they exceeded presidential authority under federal law, marking a significant defeat for Trump's economic policies. Additionally, concerns about the decline in press protections under the First Amendment were highlighted, with recent incidents illustrating challenges to press freedom and the need to recognize journalism as a vital component of democracy.

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Trump calls justices 'fools,' announces new 10% global tariff after Supreme Court setback

Trump calls justices 'fools,' announces new 10% global tariff after Supreme Court setback

President Trump condemned the Supreme Court's decision to strike down his tariffs policy, calling justices “fools” and vowing to impose new tariffs through alternative legal methods, including signing an executive order for a 10% global tariff under a 1974 law. The ruling limits his authority to impose tariffs via the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, prompting Trump to consider other legal avenues, such as tariffs up to 15% for 150 days and additional levies under the Trade Act of 1930. The decision was welcomed by Democrats, who criticized the tariffs for causing economic harm, while some of Trump's allies argued his trade policy remains effective through different mechanisms.

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Trump Imposes New Tariffs to Sidestep Supreme Court Ruling - WIRED

Trump Imposes New Tariffs to Sidestep Supreme Court Ruling - WIRED

President Trump signed an executive order imposing a 10 percent global tariff on most imports to the U.S. in response to a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated previous trade tariffs. The new tariffs are based on the Trade Act of 1974 and are set to take effect on February 24, 2026, with some exemptions. Trump criticized the Supreme Court justices for their decision and indicated the tariffs could be extended beyond the initial 150-day period, potentially using other trade authorities. The process for refunds to affected companies remains uncertain and likely lengthy, as the ruling did not specify how refunds should be handled.

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Trump Is Throwing a Hissy Fit About His Failed Tariffs - Esquire

Trump Is Throwing a Hissy Fit About His Failed Tariffs - Esquire

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to uphold certain tariffs challenged by the Biden administration, prompting President Trump to threaten disregarding the ruling and implementing additional tariffs. Trump reportedly expressed anger at the court during a governors' breakfast, indicating plans to add a 10 percent tariff increase and to reinterpret existing laws to maintain earlier tariffs. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions over trade policies and judicial decisions.

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Trump calls Supreme Court justices 'disloyal to the Constitution' over tariffs ruling

Trump calls Supreme Court justices 'disloyal to the Constitution' over tariffs ruling

President Donald Trump criticized the Supreme Court for its 6-3 ruling invalidating most of his tariffs, calling the majority justices “disloyal to the Constitution” and suggesting foreign interests influence the court. He praised dissenting justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Brett Kavanaugh, particularly Kavanaugh, and announced new tariffs to replace those struck down. Trump’s comments included unsubstantiated claims of foreign interference and were unusually harsh and personal for a presidential critique of the judiciary.

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Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump's Tariff Regime - Mother Jones

Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump's Tariff Regime - Mother Jones

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that most of President Donald Trump's worldwide tariffs were illegal, as the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not grant the president such broad tariff powers. The court emphasized that Congress must explicitly authorize major trade powers, rejecting Trump's broad interpretation of emergency authority. This decision limits the president's ability to impose tariffs unilaterally and is viewed by some as a favorable outcome for the economy, though it leaves unresolved issues regarding existing tariffs collected under Trump's policies. The ruling also highlights ongoing debates over presidential emergency powers and the influence of ideological doctrines like the major questions doctrine.

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