White House Says Trade Policy Not Affected by Court Ruling, Has Other Tariff Authorities

The president can employ other tariff authorities ’to ensure that America’s interests are being restored around the world,' White House press secretary said.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt takes questions during the daily briefing in the Brady Briefing Room of the White House on May 29, 2025. Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that a federal court ruling that blocked the administration’s global tariffs has not impacted President Donald Trump’s trade agenda.

The three-judge panel concluded that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which Trump used to implement his sweeping tariff agenda, does not allow a president to apply universal levies on imports.