Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump
Issues
Does the International Emergency Economic Powers Act authorize the President to impose tariffs?
This case asks whether the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”) authorizes the president to impose tariffs in an emergency. Learning Resources contends that the IEEPA does not give the president tariff authority, and—even if it does—does not grant the broad authority the President claims. President Trump argues that a plain-meaning interpretation of the IEEPA grants tariff authority, and the IEEPA does not limit the scope of the tariff power because the limitation is not expressly listed as other limitations are. This case raises significant issues about the separation of powers and future of foreign relations.
Questions as Framed for the Court by the Parties
Whether the International Emergency Economic Powers Act authorizes the president to impose tariffs.
The 1917 Trading with the Enemy Act (“TWEA”) granted the United States President the power to restrict trade with certain foreign countries during wartimes. Brief for Respondent, Donald J.
Additional Resources
- Bryce Engelland, What’s The Status of Tariff Litigation, and Where May Things Go From Here?, Thomson Reuters (Aug. 4, 2025).
- Debra Cassens Weiss, Does Trump Have the Power to Unilaterally Impose Tariffs? Supreme Court Will Decide, ABA Journal (Sept. 10, 2025).
- Paul Leech, US Supreme Court Set to Review Legality of Trump Administration Tariffs, Jurist News (Sept. 10, 2025).