Do the Trump Tariffs Violate the Constitution?

We the People

Steven Calabresi of Northwestern University and Samuel Estreicher of New York University join Jeffrey Rosen to discuss the statutory authority for President Trump’s tariffs and whether they violate federal law or the Constitution.

Resources

  • Samuel Estreicher & Andrew Babbitt, “Are Tariffs an Emergency Power?,” Lawfare Blog (April 3, 2025) 
  • Steven Calabresi, “President Trump's New Tariffs Are Unconstitutional,” Volokh Conspiracy (April 5, 2025) 
  • Complaint for Injunctive and Declaratory Relief, Emily Ley Paper v. Trump, 3:25-cv-00464 (N.D. Fla., April 3, 2025)

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