WASHINGTON D.C. - A U.S. court has moved to block President Donald Trump's expansive plan to impose tariffs on imports, a scheme he justified by invoking the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

On May 28 (local time), the U.S. Court of International Trade issued a ruling that effectively halted the implementation of "reciprocal tariffs" that Trump had announced on April 2, designated as "Liberation Day." The court's decision underscored a fundamental principle of American governance, stating, "The U.S. Constitution vests the power to levy taxes with Congress, not the President, and this power cannot be overridden by the President's emergency authority to protect the American economy."

The court elaborated on its reasoning, asserting that "the measure violated due legal process and could have a negative impact across the economy." It further warned that "the abuse of emergency powers could adversely affect the international trade order."

This legal challenge originated last month when five U.S.-based companies filed a lawsuit, arguing that Trump had unlawfully pursued his tariff policy without congressional approval, which holds the authority to decide on tariffs. Notably, Trump was the first president to utilize the International Emergency Economic Powers Act as a basis for imposing tariffs. He had consistently maintained that the U.S. trade deficit constituted a national emergency, thereby asserting his authority to impose tariffs under the IEEPA, an act established in 1977. This ruling marks a significant judicial check on the executive branch's perceived overreach in matters of international trade and economic policy.

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