Trump’s authority to impose sweeping tariffs to be put to the test

Trump 's proposal to impose 20% tariffs on all goods imported into the U.S. is likely to face stiff challenges in court and potentially pushback from Congress .

There are potential legal limits to Trump ’s authority, even though he has said he would unilaterally impose the increases.

Under the Constitution , Congress has the power to enact tariffs, but over the years , through various legislation, has delegated that power to the president.

Courts have given the president a fair amount of leeway in imposing tariffs for national security reasons.

But a broad array of tariffs on allies “could cross the line,” expert says.

The Supreme Court has taken a generally pro-business stance in recent years .

Conservative justices have appeared sympathetic to what is called the “nondelegation doctrine”.

Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America sued after China imposed a 7.5% tariff on millions of shoes coming to the U.S. from China in 2019 .

The case is still making its way through the courts.

This time, the group is focused on working with the incoming administration to get its products excluded from future tariffs.