During oral arguments at the Supreme Court on November 5, 2025, Justice Neil Gorsuch questioned the validity of using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to justify a 50% tariff on gas-powered vehicles. The inquiry came as part of a broader legal challenge to the Trump administration’s trade policies, which aimed to protect domestic industries by imposing steep tariffs on foreign goods. Solicitor General D. John Sauer, representing the administration, argued that the IEE, which grants the President broad authority to regulate economic activity in times of national emergency, could be used to justify the tariff. His assertion, however, was met with skepticism, as Gorsuch and other justices raised concerns over the potential overreach of executive power and the implications for international trade agreements.
The case has drawn significant attention from both political parties, with critics arguing that the tariff could disrupt global supply chains and raise consumer costs, while supporters claim it is necessary to protect American manufacturing. Legal experts suggest that the Supreme Court’s ruling could set a precedent for future executive actions under the IEEPA, potentially reshaping trade policy and economic strategy in the United States.