$81 Billion in "Illegally Collected Import Duties" Repaid by U.S. After Supreme Court Ruling

The United States has repaid $81 billion in import duties after the Supreme Court ruled in February that former President Donald Trump's tariffs were illegal. The majority of these refunds were issued in May and June, with June alone seeing $49.2 billion repaid against $23.6 billion collected, resulting in a net outflow of $25.6 billion for that month.

These significant reimbursements have impacted the federal budget, contributing to a $120 billion deficit in June. The overall federal deficit is projected to reach approximately $1.8 trillion this year. The U.S. Treasury Department attributed the disappointing figures in recent months directly to the Supreme Court's judgment.

The core of the Supreme Court's decision, as clarified by Chief Justice John Roberts, centers on the constitutional division of powers. The court found that the president cannot unilaterally impose tariffs without explicit authorization from Congress. "The president is invoking the extraordinary power to unilaterally impose tariffs without limitation as to amount, duration, or scope. Given the magnitude and the constitutional context of that power, he must point to a clear congressional authorization to exercise it," Roberts stated.

“

The president is invoking the extraordinary power to unilaterally impose tariffs without limitation as to amount, duration, or scope. Given the magnitude and the constitutional context of that power, he must point to a clear congressional authorization to exercise it.