Trump Shuns Supreme Court Hearing on Tariff Policy as Legal Battle Intensifies

By Wire Reports | Monday, 03 November 2025 02:59 PM EST

President Donald Trump has abruptly abandoned plans to attend a pivotal Supreme Court hearing this week concerning his controversial tariff policy, marking a dramatic shift in strategy amid a landmark case testing the boundaries of presidential authority over trade.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump stated he chose not to participate to avoid diverting focus from the Court’s deliberations, insisting, “This is about our country, not about me,” as reported by Reuters. The Supreme Court will hear arguments on Wednesday in consolidated cases Learning Resources v. Trump and V.O.S. Selections, Inc. v. Trump, which challenge the legality of tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

The case centers on whether the president exceeded his authority by unilaterally imposing sweeping import duties without congressional approval. Trump’s 2025 tariffs, framed as part of a “reciprocal trade strategy,” targeted foreign goods amid claims of unfair subsidies and trade deficits. He invoked IEEPA to justify the measures, arguing they addressed an “extraordinary threat” to U.S. industry.

The Court will examine whether IEEPA’s provision allowing the president to “regulate imports” permits the imposition of new taxes without legislative consent. A lower court previously ruled that Congress retains exclusive authority over tariffs under Article I, while Trump’s legal team contends the policies align with long-standing trade practices and emergency powers.

The outcome could redefine presidential economic power in the U.S., with potential ramifications for federal revenue and manufacturing. Meanwhile, bipartisan efforts to limit executive trade actions have gained momentum, including the proposed Trade Review Act of 2025, which would require congressional approval for tariffs lasting more than 60 days.

As Trump’s absence from the courtroom underscores the high stakes, the justices’ decision may determine the fate of his trade agenda and the balance of power between branches of government.