NOTE: X-post at the end of the article.
President Donald Trump notched a significant legal win this week as a federal appeals court issued a stay on a lower court ruling that had threatened to dismantle key portions of his controversial tariff program.
The Tuesday evening decision allows the federal government to continue collecting specific tariffs under Trump’s “Liberation Day” trade initiative while the appeals process plays out — effectively preserving a central pillar of the former president’s economic legacy for the time being.
The U.S. Court of International Trade had previously struck down large portions of Trump’s tariff plan, claiming his administration had overstepped its legal authority in implementing sweeping trade penalties without adequate congressional oversight or procedural compliance. That ruling sparked celebration among critics of Trump’s aggressive trade strategy, who accused the former president of bypassing normal channels to impose politically motivated economic restrictions.
But the latest move from the appeals court halts that victory in its tracks.
In its decision, the appellate panel sided with Trump’s legal team in arguing that an immediate reversal of the tariffs could cause irreparable harm to ongoing trade enforcement and foreign policy efforts. The court acknowledged that legal questions remain unresolved but emphasized the need for stability during the appeal.
The ruling means U.S. Customs and Border Protection can continue collecting the disputed tariffs, which primarily target industries in countries flagged for unfair trade practices — including China, Vietnam, and several others. These duties were a major component of Trump’s broader “America First” economic agenda, aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing and reducing reliance on foreign imports.
Supporters of Trump hailed the stay as a crucial step in defending national economic sovereignty.
“This is a win not just for President Trump but for every American worker and business that’s been hurt by decades of weak trade policies,” said a spokesperson for the Trump campaign. “The courts are finally recognizing the importance of putting America first.”
Meanwhile, critics blasted the decision as a temporary reprieve for a policy they claim has sparked trade wars, driven up consumer prices, and alienated international partners.
The court did not issue a final ruling on the legality of the tariffs themselves — that decision will come later as part of the full appeals process, which could take months.
For now, however, Trump’s tariffs remain in force — a symbolic and practical victory for the former president as he continues to shape national policy debates from outside the White House.
