Donald Trump news: ‘Liberation Day’ Tariffs temporarily reinstated as court considers White House appeal

Tariffs imposed on all nations by the Trump administration, that were dramatically blocked by a US trade court on Wednesday, will remain in effect as the legal process continues.

US President Donald Trump’s controversial global tariffs have been temporarily reinstated while a court reviews an appeal filed by the White House.

The development follows a ruling by a panel of three federal judges who blocked the tariffs, stating that the President had “overstepped his authority.”

The Trump administration is expected to take the case to the Supreme Court if it loses the appeal.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt issued a stark warning, claiming the US “cannot function” if Mr Trump has his “trade negotiations railroaded by activist judges”.

Ms Leavitt urged the Supreme Court to “put an end to this for the sake of our constitution and our country.”

Australia will continue to push for the removal of Mr Trump’s “unjustified” tariffs.

Trade Minister Don Farrell said the Government would study the ruling closely, noting the duties might be subject to further legal proceedings.

“The Albanese Government has been consistent in the view that these tariffs on Australian imports into the US are unjustified,” he said.

“We will continue to engage and strongly advocate for the removal of tariffs.

“The Albanese Government will always stand up for Australia’s national interests, including Australian jobs and Australian industries.”

Australian goods are subject to a 10 per cent baseline tariff, while all steel and aluminium imports to the US have been slapped with 25 per cent tariffs.

Labor has sought to temper expectations on whether it can land a deal with the US to remove the tariffs.

The lawsuit was brought on by the Liberty Justice Centre on behalf of five small US businesses that import goods, and was the first major challenge to the tariffs.

The Trump administration immediately lodged an appeal of the decision, saying: “It is not for unelected judges to decide how to properly address a national emergency.”

The American court ruled the US constitution gave Congress exclusive powers to regulate commerce with other countries, which were not overruled by the president’s emergency powers to safeguard the economy.

As the Trump administration moves to stop Harvard University teaching international students, Australia’s ambassador to the US Kevin Rudd has vowed the embassy was working with the US on the impact of the decision on Australians and their families.

with Reuters