'We Would Be Dead Without Tariffs': Trump Defends Trade Strategy Ahead Of Court Test

Last Updated:July 31, 2025, 17:42 IST

Donald Trump defends his aggressive tariff policy ahead of a key court hearing that could reshape his trade strategy.

US President Donald Trump. (AP file photo)

US President Donald Trump defended his aggressive tariff policy ahead of a key court hearing that could significantly reshape his trade strategy. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Donald Trump wrote, “To all of my great lawyers who have fought so hard to save our Country, good luck in America’s big case today. If our Country was not able to protect itself by using TARIFFS AGAINST TARIFFS, WE WOULD BE ‘DEAD,’ WITH NO CHANCE OF SURVIVAL OR SUCCESS."

Read more: Trump’s 25% Tariff Shock: What It Means For Indian Stock Markets

The post came hours before oral arguments are set to begin in a closely watched appeal that could determine whether Donald Trump legally overstepped his authority in imposing wide-ranging import duties under the Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA).

What Is The Case Against Donald Trump’s Tariffs?

Five small business owners and 12 Democratic-led states are challenging Donald Trump’s expansive interpretation of IEEPA, which he’s used to justify tariffs on imports from China, Mexico, Brazil and even long-standing allies like the European Union and Japan.

In May, the US Court of Trade sided with the plaintiffs, ruling that Donald Trump’s use of IEEPA to impose peacetime economic restrictions violated the scope of the law. However, the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals allowed the contested tariffs to remain in effect while the case proceeds.

Read more: Trump’s Tariff Deadline Is Here: Who Struck Trade Deals, Who’s Still Waiting

What’s At Stake For Donald Trump In The Case?

Donald Trump has repeatedly invoked IEEPA to impose sweeping tariffs, including a 10% baseline tariff on most imports since April, 145% tariffs on select Chinese goods and 50% tariffs on Brazilian exports. He has cited national economic emergencies, fentanyl trafficking and immigration control to justify the measures.

But even if the court invalidates IEEPA’s use, Donald Trump’s trade team is expected to lean more heavily on Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which allows tariffs on national security grounds and Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, commonly used to address unfair trade practices.

Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

News world 'We Would Be Dead Without Tariffs': Trump Defends Trade Strategy Ahead Of Court Test

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