Washington, May 29: The Trump administration is reportedly weighing a backup strategy to impose tariffs on broad segments of the global economy, following recent legal setbacks. According to The Wall Street Journal, officials are considering using a rarely-invoked provision of the 1974 Trade Act that permits tariffs of up to 15% for a duration of 150 days to address trade imbalances.
This stopgap measure is part of a two-pronged approach being considered by former President Donald Trump’s trade team. The administration may use this short-term tool to maintain pressure on trade partners while preparing more tailored tariffs under an alternative legal framework, which requires a lengthier consultation and notification process but is believed to be more legally sound.
The deliberations come after a federal appeals court allowed Trump’s tariffs to remain temporarily in effect, even after a lower court ruled the former president had exceeded his authority by using the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act to justify broad tariffs.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the administration is exploring other legal routes to sustain the tariff regime, though she did not offer specifics.
The potential return to Trump-era trade tactics signals continued volatility in U.S. trade policy as legal challenges play out in court.