Trump’s tariffs face Supreme Court challenge as small businesses claim rising costs threaten survival

Trump’s tariffs face Supreme Court challenge as small businesses claim rising costs threaten survival

Small businesses across the United States are taking President Donald Trump to court over his sweeping tariffs, arguing that they violate trade laws and threaten their survival. The Supreme Court will hear the challenge on November 5.

Entrepreneurs like David Levi, founder of MicroKits in Virginia, say the tariffs have forced them to raise prices, delay launches, and even consider moving production abroad due to unpredictable costs. Levi’s experience mirrors that of hundreds of small firms struggling with higher import fees on key components.

Plaintiffs include wine importers, toy makers, and apparel firms that claim Trump exceeded his authority by imposing tariffs on nearly all imported goods. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Consumer Technology Association have backed the lawsuit, warning that unchecked executive power could destabilize the economy.

Supporters of the tariffs, like Baltimore manufacturer Drew Greenblatt, argue they protect American jobs and level the playing field against foreign competitors. However, economists, including former Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke, contend the tariffs harm more businesses than they help, citing job losses and reduced competitiveness.

With over 700 small businesses joining the case, the outcome could reshape U.S. trade policy and define how far presidents can go in using tariffs as an economic weapon.

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