A U.S. federal appeals court on Thursday allowed President Donald Trump to continue the collection of global tariffs, a day after being blocked by the trade court.
A U.S. federal appeals court has handed Donald Trump a temporary lifeline in his ongoing tariff battle. On Thursday, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit approved an emergency motion from Trump’s administration. The decision allows the former president to keep collecting tariffs, at least for now.
The emergency pause came just one day after a lower federal trade court struck down most of Trump’s key trade policies. Trump’s legal team argued that halting the tariffs could jeopardize national security. The appeals court agreed—at least temporarily.
Trump Slams Ruling as 'Political'
Trump wasted no time reacting to the trade court’s decision. Taking to social media Thursday evening, he called the ruling “so wrong, and so political!” He added that the U.S. Supreme Court should “reverse this horrible, Country threatening decision, QUICKLY and DECISIVELY.”
While the legal saga continues, Trump’s administration appears confident. Officials say they expect to win on appeal—or find another legal route to keep the tariffs in place.
Businesses Left in the Lurch
Meanwhile, business leaders and trade groups remain caught in the middle. Without a clear final ruling, many are struggling to plan for the future.
“This is just another chapter in the long, painful push for a stable trade policy,” said Jonathan Gold of the National Retail Federation. He urged the courts to bring clarity quickly.
Companies have already faced $34 billion in losses from Trump-era tariffs, according to a Reuters report. The financial toll continues to mount as the legal fight drags on.
Trump’s Legal Battles Far from Over
Trump returned to office in January and is now facing several lawsuits over his so-called "Liberation Day" tariffs. Critics argue he exceeded his authority by unilaterally imposing the duties.
Despite the court setback, Trump’s top advisers say they’re not backing down. White House trade adviser Peter Navarro assured the public that the tariff strategy is “alive, well, healthy and will be implemented.”
Legal experts say this battle could reach the highest court in the land. “Trade cases rarely go to the Supreme Court,” said international trade attorney Timothy Brightbill. “But the stakes here are high enough that it’s likely.”
Markets Watching Closely
Financial markets reacted cautiously to the latest twist. While there was some optimism, investors expect a long appeals process. Stock gains were modest, as uncertainty over the tariffs continues to loom large.
Still, the White House says trade negotiations remain on track. Talks with Japan are scheduled for Friday in Washington. An Indian delegation is also expected to arrive next week for trade discussions.
The Path Forward Remains Murky
With legal proceedings in motion and political tensions rising, the fate of Trump’s tariffs hangs in the balance.
For now, businesses, lawmakers, and international partners are left waiting—watching as one of America’s most controversial trade fights plays out in the courts.
