What will Trump do next? Here are three scenariospublished at 10:21 British Summer Time
Image source, ReutersHope for a favourable ruling from a higher court
Trump looks set to appeal the ruling through the courts, a route which will see the government first take the case to the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, DC.
It could ultimately go to the US Supreme Court, which is already considering other cases about the scope of presidential power.
Shift the legal basis for reciprocal tariffs
The tariffs court ruling said Trump can’t use emergency powers to impose them – but it seems to signal other ways he might have more success.
The judges note that another law passed by Congress in 1974 gives presidents authority to impose 15% tariffs for 150 days in cases of “large and serious” trade deficits and unfair trade practices.
His administration will also be looking at why import taxes on steel and aluminium, which were introduced under a separate laws from the 1960s, have survived this ruling.
Find an off-ramp and back down
Halting a centrepiece economic policy, one Trump has been vocal about since the 1980s, is the most unlikely path.
His book The Art of The Deal makes clear his belief you should always fight on in negotiations, and there are no signs he will back down any time soon.
