Indian American lawmakers have welcomed the U.S. Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision striking down President Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs, emphasizing that only Congress has the constitutional authority to impose tariffs.

The ruling found that President Trump’s use of emergency powers to implement blanket tariffs was unlawful.

Chief Justice John Roberts who wrote the majority opinion noted “The President asserts the extraordinary power to unilaterally impose tariffs of unlimited amount, duration, and scope. In light of the breadth, history, and constitutional context of that asserted authority, he must identify clear congressional authorization to exercise it.”

Following the decision, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) said, “Today’s Supreme Court ruling striking down Donald Trump’s blanket tariffs makes clear that he illegally abused his emergency powers to drive up costs for American families, small businesses, and manufacturers.”

Rep. Krishnamoorthi noted that he had joined an amicus brief challenging what he described as a “reckless” policy. He argued that Americans were “forced” to pay more for everyday goods while Trump bypassed Congress, “strained our alliances,” and failed to “counter abuses” by adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party.

“Effective trade policy requires working with our partners on targeted strategies that put American workers, families, and businesses first, not illegal blanket tariffs that start trade wars and raise costs,” he added.

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) also welcomed the ruling, stating that the Supreme Court had determined Trump’s tariffs imposed under his “emergency authorities” were unlawful.

“They affirmed what we’ve been saying this whole time: Only Congress has the power to impose taxes, which includes Trump’s reckless tariffs,” she said.

Congressman Ro Khanna (CA-17) said the decision reinforces constitutional limits on executive authority. “no president is above the Constitution and no president gets to abuse emergency powers like IEEPA to slap hidden taxes on working Americans,” he said.

Rep. Khanna argued that the tariffs were not about “security,” but rather functioned as a tax on “families and small businesses” to finance a trade war. “Working people pay the price when presidents play politics with the economy,” he added.

Congressman Shri Thanedar (MI-13) expressed relief at the ruling. “I’m relieved that the Supreme Court has ruled that Trump’s tariffs are illegal and glad that they will be rolled back. Unfortunately, so much harm has already done. Prices have skyrocketed and job growth has plummeted by 88%. Congress needs to get to work undoing that damage,” he said.

Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) also praised the decision. “I applaud the Supreme Court’s decision and have said from the very beginning that President Trump’s tariffs did not follow the law. What they did do was raise costs on every single American, making life harder and more expensive for everyone,” he said.

Rep. Subramanyam added that the tariffs negatively affected small businesses, with some reporting significant losses or closures.

“And they hurt our economy, undermined our relationships around the world, and empowered our adversaries to take business opportunities from American companies,” he added. “I will continue to fight policies like this that break the law and raise costs.”

“The Supreme Court got it right today,” added Rep. Ami Bera (CA-06) adding “President Trump never had the power to impose these sweeping tariffs that raised costs for working families, hurt small businesses, and strained our alliances around the world.”

This ruling does not put an “end” to President Trump’s “chaotic” and “unstable” behavior, he said adding “My Republican colleagues need to join us in clearly reasserting Congress’ authority over tariffs to restore stability and predictability for American consumers, businesses, and our trading partners.”

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