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.

A federal appeals court has declared the vast majority of Donald Trump’s tariffs illegal, citing improper use of emergency powers. The ruling is on hold until October 14, setting up a likely showdown at the Supreme Court that could reshape the balance of power over U.S. trade policy.