WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is poised to potentially reshape how President Donald Trump utilizes tariffs as a foreign policy tool, a strategy he has frequently employed throughout his presidency. Trump has consistently viewed tariffs, and the mere prospect of them, as a potent means of influencing international trade and securing concessions from other nations.

His administration has implemented tariffs in a manner unlike any seen previously, extending their use beyond traditional trade disputes to encompass national security concerns and broader geopolitical objectives. This aggressive approach has targeted goods from countries including China, Mexico, and Canada, impacting industries and consumers across the United States.

The legal challenge before the Supreme Court centers on whether Trump exceeded his constitutional authority when imposing tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, citing national security justifications. The case, brought by the steel and aluminum industries, argues that only Congress has the power to regulate international trade.

A ruling against the administration could significantly curtail Trump's ability to unilaterally impose tariffs, potentially requiring congressional approval for future trade actions. This would represent a major check on presidential power and could alter the landscape of U.S. trade policy moving forward. The outcome of the case has broad implications for businesses, trade relations, and the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches.