The Supreme Court’s recent ruling against President Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs is a direct reminder of Congress’s constitutional power to impose taxes. Mary Ellen Klas argues that lawmakers must reclaim this role instead of leaving questions of public finance to the judicial branch. The decision underscores the ongoing interplay between the branches of government.
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Mary Ellen Klas: The Supreme Court just did Congress’ job on tariffs
Photo by Indianagazette
Key Takeaways:
- The Supreme Court invalidated President Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs.
- Congress, constitutionally responsible for imposing taxes, must reassert that authority.
- This ruling is a “loud wake-up call” for lawmakers about their legislative duties.
- Mary Ellen Klas criticizes Congress for ceding its taxing power.
- The decision highlights the system of checks and balances among the branches.
The Supreme Court’s Wake-Up Call
The Supreme Court’s decision to declare President Donald Trump’s global tariffs invalid has shaken the Washington establishment, prompting criticism of lawmakers for failing to perform their constitutionally mandated functions. Mary Ellen Klas contends that the judicial branch stepped in to fill a void that Congress left wide open.
How Congress Ceded Its Power
At the heart of the controversy is the taxing power that the Constitution grants to the legislative branch. Last year, when the White House pursued new duties, the legislative branch “hadn’t ceded its taxing power” only in theory—yet in practice, it did not strongly assert its role. By doing so, it enabled the executive branch to push forward with sweeping tariffs that ultimately faced legal challenges.
Constitutional Stakes
This ruling suggests that Congress must directly address national and international economic concerns rather than delegating its responsibilities. Constitutional law experts have noted for years that the judicial branch often responds when one of the other branches oversteps its bounds, and this case reflects how the system of checks and balances is supposed to function.
Implications for Trade Policy
International trade hinges on fair and consistent rules, and trading partners watch closely when the United States imposes tariffs. By striking down these measures, the Court has reinforced the principle that important decisions on taxes and duties should originate in Congress. Klas’s perspective highlights the global reverberations of domestic power dynamics.
Moving Forward
Lawmakers, now confronted by the Court’s decision, face the question of how best to regain control over these policy areas. Will they craft new legislation to reassert authority, or will the executive branch continue to have the upper hand? According to Klas, the ball is squarely in Congress’s court—where the power to levy taxes has always belonged.
