The US Supreme Court is expected to issue key rulings on January 20, with several major cases still pending. Among them is a closely watched legal challenge to President Donald Trump’s use of emergency powers to impose sweeping global tariffs, a decision that could have wide implications for global trade.
The US Supreme Court is set to release its next batch of rulings on January 20 at 10 am ET, with several high-profile cases still pending, including a closely watched challenge to President Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs.
The court said on its website on Friday, January 16, that it may issue opinions in argued cases when the justices meet for a scheduled sitting next Tuesday. As is standard practice, the Supreme Court did not specify which cases will be decided.
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Trump’s tariff powers under judicial scrutiny
Among the most consequential matters before the court is the legal challenge to Trump’s tariffs, a case that tests both the limits of presidential authority and the court’s willingness to rein in the Republican president’s expansive claims of executive power since his return to office in January 2025.
The ruling could have far-reaching consequences for global trade and the international economy.
Justices sceptical of emergency law argument
During oral arguments on November 5, both conservative and liberal justices appeared sceptical of the administration’s reliance on a 1977 law designed for use during national emergencies to justify the tariffs.
Trump invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose so-called “reciprocal” tariffs on imports from nearly all US trading partners, citing a national emergency linked to persistent trade deficits. His administration is appealing lower court rulings that found he exceeded his authority.
Treasury secretary downplays chances of reversal
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Sunday said it was “very unlikely” that the Supreme Court would overturn President Donald Trump’s use of emergency powers to impose tariffs, with a potenti