Langworthy, Hochul, King, and Gies make statements after court decision against the Trump Administration
By Andrew Harris
A long awaited Supreme Court 6-3 decision has been announced that, according to CBS News, “The six justices found that the law known as the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA, does not give the president the power to impose tariffs.”
That ruling drew a strong rebuke from NY-23 Congressman Nick Langworthy who issued this statement today:
“President Trump deserves enormous credit for putting American workers and businesses at the forefront of his economic agenda. America First means fighting for fair trade deals and bringing manufacturing back to the United States, and tariffs have proven to be an effective tool to level the playing field and promote American products abroad. Sadly, right here in Western New York and the Southern Tier we have seen communities hollowed out by the consequences of past so-called ‘free trade agreements.’
“While we all pause to examine the full implications of today’s Supreme Court decision, this much is clear: the decision was strictly centered around the interpretation of IEEPA authority, not the merits of President Trump’s trade policies and he continues to hold several legal tools to achieve his objectives. It is incumbent on Congress to work with him to create the best possible trade environment for the United States.” Pictured is Langworthy in the oval office with President Trump.
A potential Republican primary contender, Jim King of Owego NY, had a different take on the court ruling hailing the decision as “a firm and meaningful step to stop this autocratic President from ignoring the laws of the land.”
“While this decision affirms the Constitution’s assignment of taxation to Congress, it also reinforces the American principle that no one is above the law. It gives hope to those financially-strained households who actually have had to pay for those tariffs which drive up the cost of everything they buy,” King said.
Democrats reaction was nearly unanimous after months of calling the tariffs illegal and counterproductive.
NY Governor Kathy Hochul made it clear she agreed with the courts decision,
““The Supreme Court’s decision is clear. These tariffs were an unlawful backdoor tax on hardworking families, farmers and small businesses, raising prices on everything from groceries to building materials.
“We stood up to these reckless policies because New Yorkers were paying the price, and today the Court agreed. My administration will keep fighting to protect New Yorkers and make sure Washington helps — not hurts — the people we serve.”
Leading Democratic candidate for the NY-23rd Congressional Seat, St. Bonaventure University professor Aaron Gies was pleased with the Supreme Court ruling. Gies noted the negative impact on foreign relations, WNY farms, and small business:
“Today, the Supreme Court struck down the sweeping tariffs that President Donald Trump imposed on countries around the world, straining key relationships, especially with Canada, our closest trading partner.
The justices ruled that the tariffs exceeded the powers granted to the President by Congress.
Independent analysis has shown that Americans pay 90% of these tariff costs through higher prices. Farmers and small businesses in NY-23 felt that impact directly. Today’s ruling is a step toward restoring stability and predictability, but it likely won’t lower costs for consumers.
The tariffs are estimated to total $230 billion in 2025. The Trump administration must now reimburse importers and taxpayers. Congress must now reclaim its rightful authority to manage trade, including tariffs.
We know how to support small businesses and American workers. Gimmicks like tariffs won’t do it. Instead, we have to restore fairness to our tax system by requiring the wealthy and corporations to pay their fair share, and we have to back what works at the local level instead of propping up monopolies.“
The request for the Supreme Court to take up the question of executive power to levy tariffs was made by a group of small businesses represented by lead attorney Neal Katyal who told The Hill that:
“This case has always been about the presidency, not any one president. It has always been about separation of powers, and not the politics of the moment. I’m gratified to see our Supreme Court, which has been the bedrock of our government for 250 years, protect our most fundamental values.”
The Hill reported that Katyal was the Solicitor General under the Obama Administration from 2010 until 2011.
The Trump Administration issued a statement harshly criticizing the US Supreme Court,
“The Supreme Court’s ruling on tariffs is deeply disappointing and I’m ashamed of certain members of the court, absolutely ashamed, for not having the courage to do what’s right for our country.”
