President Donald Trump announced he will personally attend a Supreme Court hearing over his authority to impose tariffs — a move no sitting president has ever made.
The hearing, set for November 5, will determine whether Trump can use the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to enforce sweeping tariffs against foreign nations.
Calling it “one of the most important cases in the history of our country,” Trump said the outcome could shape America’s ability to defend itself economically.
“I think I’m going to the Supreme Court to watch it,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “I’ve not done that. And I’ve had some pretty big cases.”
If he follows through, Trump would become the first sitting president to sit inside the Supreme Court during arguments involving his own administration’s policy.
Traditionally, presidents only appear at the high court for ceremonial occasions, avoiding cases tied to their own authority to preserve the separation of powers.
But Trump has repeatedly shown he’s not afraid to challenge political norms.
He made clear that the justices should expect him to be in attendance, per the Daily Mail.
“It’s one of the most important cases ever brought because we will be defenseless against the world,” he said.
Trump has long supported tariffs, viewing them as essential tools to protect American jobs and industries. Since returning to office in January, he’s imposed tariffs on nations including China, Mexico, and Canada.
On April 2 — dubbed “Liberation Day” by the White House — Trump warned that countries refusing fair trade negotiations would face reciprocal tariffs. He also targeted nations linked to fentanyl trafficking, accusing them of turning a blind eye to the deadly crisis.
Critics argue Trump overstepped his powers by imposing tariffs without congressional approval. They claim the IEEPA, a 1977 law, wasn’t designed for this kind of action.
The law allows the president to respond to “any unusual and extraordinary threat” to national security by regulating imports, but it doesn’t specifically mention tariffs.
U.S. Solicitor General D. John Sauer defended Trump’s position, arguing that the IEEPA clearly gives the president authority to regulate importation. He said tariffs are “a traditional and commonplace way to regulate imports” and that the law “plainly authorizes” their use.
Challengers claim even if the law allows tariffs, it doesn’t give the president unlimited power. Sauer dismissed that argument as a “strawman,” pointing out that Congress can oversee and reverse presidential actions under IEEPA procedures.
Sauer also noted that courts aren’t equipped to decide when foreign threats justify emergency measures, saying those judgments belong to the president and Congress.
The Supreme Court will decide the case with six conservative justices, three of whom Trump appointed. Supporters believe the court will affirm his authority.
If Trump attends, the image of a sitting president watching his own legal battle unfold in the nation’s highest court will mark another first in American history.
