Fact Check: Supreme Court May Decide on Trump's Tariff Powers in September or October
What We Know
The claim that the Supreme Court may decide on Trump's tariff powers in September or October is based on recent developments regarding President Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs. According to a report by Forbes, two toy companies have petitioned the Supreme Court to consider the legality of these tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The petitioners argue that the case is urgent and should be heard as soon as possible, ideally at the start of the Supreme Court's next term in October 2025.
The Supreme Court has not yet indicated whether it will take up the case or when a decision might be made. The plaintiffs have expressed concern over the "crippling uncertainty" caused by the tariffs, which they claim have significant negative impacts on businesses and consumers nationwide (CBS News).
Analysis
The timeline suggested in the claim is plausible but not guaranteed. The petition filed by the toy companies aims for the Supreme Court to hear the case in October, aligning with the beginning of its new term. However, as noted by The Hill, the Supreme Court has the discretion to accept or reject the case and can also choose to delay proceedings.
While the urgency expressed by the petitioners is valid, the Supreme Court's typical processes may not align with the desired timeline. The court could take longer to deliberate, potentially pushing oral arguments into the winter or spring of 2026 (Forbes).
The reliability of the sources cited is generally high, as they include established news organizations like Forbes and CBS News, which have a history of accurate reporting on legal matters. However, the potential for bias exists, particularly in the framing of the urgency and legality of the tariffs, as the companies involved have a vested interest in the outcome.
Conclusion
The claim that the Supreme Court may decide on Trump's tariff powers in September or October is Partially True. While there is a legitimate petition requesting the court to hear the case during its October term, the Supreme Court's actual schedule and decision-making process are unpredictable. Therefore, while the possibility exists, it is not assured that a decision will be made within that timeframe.
