Elizabeth Prelogar

Rule Changes

Legal observer and analyst

President Trump declared national emergencies over fentanyl trafficking and trade deficits, then used a 1977 law never intended for tariffs to slap duties on nearly every country. Federal courts at every level said he exceeded his authority. The tariffs stayed anyway, collecting approximately $150 billion while 301,000 importers waited to see if they'd get refunds. The Supreme Court heard arguments in November 2025, with justices expressing deep skepticism about the government's position, but has yet to issue a ruling as of late January 2026.

Updated Jan 21