Trump tariffs' Supreme Court test likely Friday: Legality of emergency powers under scrutiny; global markets on edge

The US Supreme Court is likely to announce its final ruling on President Donald Trump's global tariffs on Friday, with regards to its legality that has put global economies on edge.

According to Reuters, the court, which has a 6-3 conservative majority, will also address cases involving voting rights, conversion therapy bans, and future matters concerning transgender athletes and Federal Reserve leadership.




The last hearing on tariffs was in November, when, both conservative and liberal justices questioned the legality of using a 1977 emergency powers law to impose trade restrictions. Trump has defended his actions strongly on social media, stating "Because of Tariffs, our Country is financially, AND FROM A NATIONAL SECURITY STANDPOINT, FAR STRONGER AND MORE RESPECTED THAN EVER BEFORE."

The US president used the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to tackle what he called trade deficit emergencies. He also applied it to pressure China, Canada, and Mexico to help fight fentanyl trafficking. Trump recently expressed worry about possibly losing the case, calling such an outcome a "terrible blow" to the United States.

The court is also weighing other significant matters. In October, they heard arguments about the Voting Rights Act's Section 2, which protects minority voting power. The conservative majority seemed likely to limit this protection. They also considered a challenge to Colorado's ban on conversion therapy for LGBT minors, with justices appearing to favor a Christian counselor's free speech argument.

Looking ahead, the court will hear cases about transgender athletes in school sports on January 13. Later this month, they'll also consider Trump's unprecedented attempt to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, a case that could affect the central bank's independence.