In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court struck down tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), finding that President Donald Trump exceeded his statutory authority. The ruling marks a rare moment when the court stepped directly into a trade dispute and placed limits on executive power.
Yet, for importers and multinational businesses, the decision resolves only part of the equation. It confirms that the IEEPA tariffs were unlawful but does not answer how or when companies will recover duties already paid. Nor does it slow the administration’s broader tariff agenda, which continues under other statutory tools.
In the latest episode of the D.C. Dispatch podcast, Grant Thornton’s David Sites and Colin Wilhelm speak with international trade attorneys Jonathan Stoel and Joshua Kurland of Hogan Lovells to unpack the decision’s implications. Their message: The legal landscape has shifted, but operational risk remains.
PODCAST
Supreme Court overturns IEEPA tariffs. What now?
Listen to the podcast
32:22 | Transcript (PDF - 107 KB)
Podcast highlights
00:05 Introductions
01:52 What exactly did the court decide?
06:00 Next steps on tariff refunds
07:49 The Trump administration’s reaction
11:51 Focus on upcoming liquidation dates
17:06 Tariffs will still be a primary policy tool
22:23 How tariffs will shape trade relations
28:36 What is the future for the USMCA?
Contacts:
National Managing Partner,
Washington National Tax Office and International Tax Solutions
Grant Thornton Advisors LLC
David leads the firm's International Tax practice, which focuses on global tax planning, cross border merger and acquisition structuring, and working with global organizations in a variety of other international tax areas.
Washington DC, Washington DC
Industries
- Manufacturing, Transportation & Distribution
- Technology, Media & Telecommunications
- Retail & Consumer Brands
Service Experience
- Tax Services
- International Tax
Managing Director, Tax Legislative Affairs Leader
Washington National Tax Office
Grant Thornton Advisors LLC
Storme Sixeas serves as the Tax Legislative Affairs leader for Grant Thornton’s Washington National Tax Office.
Manager, Tax Legislative Affairs Washington National Tax Office
Grant Thornton Advisors LLC
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