In the case of Learning Resources Inc. v. Trump, the Supreme Court blocked the tariffs that have been imposed using the president’s emergency powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Writing for the 6-3 majority, Chief Justice John Roberts stated, “we hold that IEEPA does not authorize the President to impose tariffs.”
This might feel like a big victory—and it is—but this isn’t the end. Not even close.
More tariffs were announced within hours of the Court’s ruling, and there are still those who choose to spread misinformation about how tariffs work and who pays for them. That means that it’s our job to keep correcting the record about tariffs and their consequences on real Americans.
Small Businesses Against Tariffs exists to shine a light on the people hit hardest by tariffs. Our goal is to educate the public about what tariffs actually are, how they work, and who pays the cost for them: American small businesses, consumers, and the US economy. To do that, we are continuing to highlight the stories of real Americans who have been hurt by the tariff regime. That includes people like:
- Chris Gibbs (OH), a farmer in Ohio who is struggling to import his fertilizer and farming equipment
- Rebecca Melsky & Eva St. Clair (DC), owners of a children’s fashion brand, who are struggling to find a manufacturer in the ever-changing tariff environment
- Jennifer Bergman (NY), a toy-store owner in New York City, who was forced to close her doors after 44 years because of the tariffs
- Candy King (VT), who started a wood stove business with her husband 25 years ago, and was hit by a 65 percent tariff
- Gabe Hagen (AZ), co-founder and CEO of a coffee shop and roasting company that might have to cut back headcount or even close due to the tariffs
- Kimberly Daniels (DC), a licensed customs broker who helps small businesses import their goods into the US, and is having to apply “stacks upon stacks” of new tariff duties
- Sari Wiaz (IL), who manufactures and distributes products for babies, and who now has to raise her prices up to 20 percent just to cover the cost of tariffs
Since the ruling came down, many of these business owners have shared that they will continue to suffer under the new tariffs that have been announced. Others point out that the Court’s ruling can’t recoup their losses over the months since the tariffs were enacted. Many hope to have the opportunity for a tariffs refund, but the lack of clarity on this means that these business owners will be forced to continue operating in the dark for the foreseeable future.
To be connected with these business owners, or for more information on Small Businesses Against Tariffs, please contact franquiz@smallbusinessesagainsttariffs.org.
# # #