Washington, August 30, 2025 –

Donald Trump Faces Legal Setbacks and Political Storm Over Tariffs and Foreign Aid

President Donald Trump is facing a storm of legal and political challenges this week. A federal appeals court ruled that his signature global tariffs are unconstitutional, while his administration moved to block nearly $5 billion in foreign aid previously approved by Congress. Both developments highlight Trump’s aggressive governing style and intensify debate about the scope of presidential power.

Appeals Court Declares Trump’s Global Tariffs Illegal

A U.S. federal appeals court issued a major decision on Friday, striking down most of Trump’s sweeping “reciprocal tariffs.” The tariffs, introduced under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), were a cornerstone of Trump’s trade policy, aimed at punishing countries that imposed tariffs or restrictions on U.S. goods.

By a 7–4 vote, the court ruled that Trump had exceeded his presidential authority by imposing tariffs without explicit congressional approval. The judges wrote that the IEEPA does not grant presidents the unilateral power to restructure international trade policy on such a scale.

Despite the ruling, the tariffs will remain in place until October 14, giving the Trump administration time to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Trump reacted angrily to the decision, calling it “a terrible mistake by activist judges” and warning that removing the tariffs would “destroy American industry.” The White House confirmed it will pursue a Supreme Court appeal, setting up a high-stakes legal battle that could reshape U.S. trade authority.

Economists and foreign governments are closely watching the case. While some U.S. industries have benefited from tariff protections, critics argue the policy has strained global trade relations and fueled retaliatory measures from allies and rivals alike.

Trump Blocks $4.9 Billion in Foreign Aid

Even as the tariff ruling dominated headlines, Trump ignited further controversy by blocking $4.9 billion in foreign aid that Congress had already approved.

The President used a rarely invoked tool known as a “pocket rescission”, last seen nearly 50 years ago. The maneuver allows a president to propose rescinding funds just before the fiscal year ends, effectively running out the clock on Congress’s ability to act within the 45-day review window. Once the window passes, the funds expire, and the aid is permanently canceled.

The frozen aid includes more than $1.3 billion earmarked for United Nations programs, as well as money for peacekeeping operations, international development, and democracy promotion.

Critics across party lines condemned the move. Lawmakers accused Trump of undermining Congress’s constitutional “power of the purse.”

“This is a blatant violation of congressional authority,” said Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), one of several Republicans to break ranks. “Whether you support foreign aid or not, the Constitution is clear: the power to appropriate money belongs to Congress, not the President.”

Democrats echoed the criticism, with Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) warning that the administration was “shredding the separation of powers.”

The White House defended the decision, insisting the money was wasteful and misaligned with U.S. priorities. “Taxpayer dollars should serve the American people, not broken international bureaucracies,” said a senior official.

A Pattern of Expanding Executive Authority

The twin controversies underscore a broader pattern: Trump’s willingness to test, and often stretch, the boundaries of presidential power.

In recent weeks, his administration has also fired Environmental Protection Agency employees critical of leadership decisions, threatened to deploy additional National Guard troops in U.S. cities, and revoked Secret Service protection for former Vice President Kamala Harris, citing cost-saving measures.

Supporters argue these steps reflect Trump’s determination to cut through bureaucracy and deliver on his “America First” promises. “The President is fighting for the American people against entrenched elites,” said conservative commentator Mark Levin.

But critics see a dangerous erosion of checks and balances. “What we’re witnessing is a systematic assault on the separation of powers,” said constitutional scholar Laurence Tribe. “If left unchecked, it risks normalizing executive overreach.”

Political and Global Fallout

The immediate fallout from Trump’s actions is likely to be both domestic and international.

• At home, the foreign aid rescission sets up another confrontation with Congress. Lawmakers may pursue legal action to block the maneuver, while oversight committees are already preparing hearings. The tariff case, meanwhile, will dominate the Supreme Court’s fall docket if Trump follows through on his appeal.
• Globally, America’s trade partners and allies are rattled. Countries that had negotiated under the tariff framework now face renewed uncertainty, while organizations like the United Nations are bracing for deep funding shortfalls. Diplomats warn the aid freeze could damage U.S. credibility at a time of geopolitical instability.

Markets are also reacting cautiously. Business groups have urged the administration to find a stable path forward, warning that uncertainty over tariffs and foreign aid undermines investor confidence.

Trump’s Political Base Holds Firm

Despite the controversies, Trump’s approval among his core supporters remains resilient. Polls show his base views the tariff fight as evidence of his toughness on trade, while the foreign aid cuts are widely popular among voters skeptical of international spending.

For these supporters, Trump’s confrontations with Congress and the courts are not weaknesses but proof that he is challenging the “establishment.”

“Every time the media or the courts go after him, it just makes us support him more,” said Mark Reynolds, a Trump voter from Ohio. “He’s the only one standing up for regular Americans.”

Conclusion

President Trump’s week illustrates both the power and the peril of his governing style. By pushing aggressive tariffs and sweeping foreign aid cuts, he has placed himself on a collision course with Congress, the courts, and international allies.

Whether he emerges victorious will depend on looming Supreme Court rulings and political battles in Washington. But one thing is clear: Trump continues to dominate U.S. politics with a brand of leadership that inspires fierce loyalty among supporters and deep concern among critics.

As the nation heads into a turbulent fall, the stakes for American democracy, global diplomacy, and Trump’s own presidency could not be higher.

Source

You can Read More Details from The Guardian

And also read from BBC