Washington, D.C., USA: Indian American lawyer Neal Katyal praised a historic ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States that invalidated former President Donald Trump’s extensive tariff initiative. Katyal called the decision a clear confirmation of constitutional restrictions on executive power.
“The US Supreme Court granted us everything we requested in our case. Everything,” Katyal stated, underscoring that the ruling brought major relief to thousands of companies and millions of consumers across the country.
Katyal explained that the dispute was never about targeting a specific president, but about protecting the structure of government authority. “This matter has always concerned the presidency as an institution, not any particular president,” he said. “It has always focused on the separation of powers rather than the political climate of the time.”
He further emphasized that although the office of the president carries substantial influence, the Constitution holds ultimate authority. “Presidents possess significant power, but the Constitution is even stronger. In the United States, only Congress has the authority to levy taxes on the people,” he remarked.
Katyal also expressed gratitude to the Liberty Justice Center for leading the legal battle and praised its leadership for upholding constitutional values. He extended thanks to the five small business owners who brought the case forward, describing their actions as a brave stand against what he characterized as unlawful taxation.
In addition, Katyal recognized the efforts of his colleagues at Milbank, highlighting their dedicated work in crafting the arguments that ultimately prevailed.
The verdict came after a widely watched legal confrontation in which Katyal presented arguments before the Supreme Court in November. The challenge centered on President Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to implement sweeping “Liberation Day” tariffs on imports from nearly all American trading partners.
Appearing on behalf of small businesses and other plaintiffs, Katyal argued that IEEPA does not authorize the president to impose broad tariffs that effectively operate as taxes. The Supreme Court concurred, ruling that the constitutional authority to impose taxes and duties lies with Congress, and that IEEPA does not clearly grant permission for such comprehensive tariff actions.
The decision is broadly regarded as a major reinforcement of the constitutional principle of separation of powers and Congress’s exclusive authority over taxation in the United States.
