Supreme Court Declines Montana Senator's Bid to Challenge Trump Tariffs
The U.S. Supreme Court has declined a request from Montana state Sen. Susan Webber and others to intervene in a case questioning President Donald Trump's tariff authority. The decision comes as Trump's tariffs have generated $80.3 billion in revenue since January 2025, with the Supreme Court set to hear oral arguments on the case on Nov. 5.
Webber and others sought to intervene in a case challenging Trump's use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 to impose tariffs, despite the law not explicitly mentioning tariffs. Trump's team at the Justice Department advised against their intervention, suggesting they file a friend-of-the-court brief instead. Two lower courts have previously ruled that the 1977 act does not grant the president unlimited tariff authority.
Trump has defended his tariff policy, stating it aims to restore manufacturing jobs, shift the tax burden, and reduce the national debt. However, Webber and others argue that these tariffs directly burden their cross-border business and small businesses near the U.S.-Canada border. Economists, businesses, and some public companies have also warned about potential price increases on consumer products due to tariffs.
The Supreme Court's denial of Webber's intervention request leaves the case to proceed without her involvement. The court will now hear oral arguments on Nov. 5, with a decision expected to follow. The outcome may have significant implications for Trump's tariff policy and the businesses affected by it.
