Is Congressional Approval Necessary for Trump to Impose Tariffs?

President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to impose tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China as a way to address illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking. While Congress typically has the authority to regulate tariffs, the executive branch has some independent powers granted by various trade acts. Trump could potentially use these powers to impose tariffs without approval from Congress. He has also used the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to issue financial sanctions in the past. President-elect Joe Biden has expressed concerns about Trump’s tariff plan, warning that it could harm relationships with close allies. Trump’s proposed tariffs could lead to a challenging trade war in the next four years, similar to his first term. Biden hopes that Trump will reconsider his plan in order to avoid damaging relationships with important allies like Mexico and Canada.

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