Tangle Podcast Episode Summary
Title: The Court Rulings on Trump's Tariffs
Host: Isaac Saul
Release Date: June 2, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Tangle, host Isaac Saul delves into the recent court rulings concerning former President Donald Trump's tariffs. The discussion navigates through the complexities of these legal decisions, presenting perspectives from both the left and the right, followed by Isaac’s personal analysis.

Main Story: Court Rulings on Trump's Tariffs

Isaac begins by contextualizing the episode, referencing the contentious nature of Trump's tariff policies and the recent judicial pushback they've encountered.

Key Developments:

• Court of International Trade (CIT) Ruling:
  The CIT in Manhattan has blocked the majority of Trump's global tariffs, citing that the president exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). This decision impacts tariffs affecting international markets and has significant economic implications.

• Administration's Response:
  The Trump administration has appealed the CIT's decision to a federal appeals court. Additionally, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick indicated that the administration does not intend to extend the current 90-day pause on some tariffs, slated to expire in July.

Notable Quotes:

• Isaac Saul reflects on community feedback:

  "The way people have responded to the piece so far is a testament to the tangled community. It's a space that we've created together to tackle even the most difficult topics." ([02:15])

• From the CIT summary judgment:

  "Worldwide and retaliatory tariff orders exceed any authority granted to the president by the IEEPA to regulate importation by means of tariffs." ([07:11])

Perspectives from the Left

The left-wing commentary generally praises the CIT's ruling, emphasizing the necessity for congressional oversight over presidential trade powers.

Key Points:

• Guardian Editorial Board:
  Highlights the misuse of emergency powers by Trump, stating,

  "The rule of law, thankfully, has struck back, at least for now." ([11:32])

• Washington Post's Gary Winslet:
  Criticizes Trump's invocation of IEEPA for routine trade deficits, asserting,

  "Trump was using emergency powers to address routine trade deficits, which are what Section 122 was designed to handle." ([11:32])

• Connor Friedersdorf in The Atlantic:
  Argues against the administration's stance on judicial overreach, noting constitutional limits:

  "Article one delegates the tariff power to Congress, and Article two fails to vest that power in the presidency." ([11:32])

Perspectives from the Right

Right-leaning commentators offer a mixed reaction, with some supporting the administration's stance while others call for clearer legislative guidelines.

Key Points:

• Wall Street Journal's George E. Bogdan:
  Defends Trump's tariff strategy as a continuation of bipartisan trade policies, stating,

  "The trade court's reading of the IEEPA contradicts the statute's text and history." ([11:32])

• Jonathan Turley in The New York Post:
  Emphasizes the need for Congressional action to support Trump's trade policies:

  "Trump needs Congress to save his tariffs and his trade strategy." ([11:32])

Isaac Saul’s Take

Isaac offers a reflective analysis on the situation, acknowledging an oversight in not emphasizing constitutional issues earlier.

Key Insights:

• Constitutional Missteps:
  Isaac admits,

  "We never wrote in plain terms that this is illegal and will probably be struck down by the courts. That outcome seems obvious now in retrospect." ([20:42])

• Judicial Consistency:
  Highlights the bipartisan nature of the CIT’s ruling, noting the panel included judges appointed by Reagan, Obama, and Trump, making it a broadly supported decision.

• Future Implications:
  Predicts that the case may escalate to the Supreme Court, where Trump is likely to face defeat due to the clear constitutional boundaries regarding tariff powers.

Notable Quotes:

"Trump is pursuing a very risky policy push without the legal authority to do so." ([20:42])

"Rock beats scissors and move fast and break things loses to go slow and don't break." ([20:42])

Questions Answered

Topic: Trump Administration’s Assault on Science

An anonymous listener from California requests a dedicated discussion on how Trump's policies have impacted scientific research and integrity.

Isaac’s Response:

• Funding Allocations:
  Discusses the administration’s reallocation of funds away from elite institutions like Columbia and Harvard, potentially hindering scientific progress.

• Executive Appointments:
  Points out the appointment of individuals with questionable scientific credentials, such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to the Department of Health and Human Services, which may undermine scientific leadership.

• Impact on International Talent:
  Highlights the deportation of international scholars, which could deter global talent from contributing to U.S. scientific endeavors.

Notable Quote:

"All three of which we've covered in some part." ([28:22])

Under the Radar Story

Defense Intelligence Agency Employee Arrested: Nathan Villis Latch, a DIA employee, was arrested for attempting to pass classified information to a foreign government due to his opposition to Trump’s policies. This incident underscores internal resistance within government bodies against controversial administration actions.

Notable Quote:

"The recent actions of the current administration are extremely disturbing to me." ([30:48])

Numbers Section

• 61 Days since the announcement of Liberation Day tariffs.
• 9 seats on the U.S. Court of International Trade.
• 1980: Year Congress established the CIT in its current form.
• 7 current court challenges to Trump's tariff policies.
• 12 states have filed challenges against the tariffs.
• Public Opinion (May 2025 Marquette Law School poll):
  • 61% of U.S. adults favor tariffs.
  • 39% oppose tariffs.
  • 58% believe tariffs hurt the U.S. economy.
  • 32% believe tariffs help the U.S. economy.
  • Republicans showing an 11% increase in support for tariffs from March to May 2025.

Have a Nice Day Story

A Dutch nursing home implemented an innovative program offering free rent to college students in exchange for 30 hours of companionship each month. This intergenerational initiative fosters mental health benefits for residents and alleviates student housing shortages, exemplifying a successful community-driven solution.

Conclusion

Isaac Saul wraps up the episode by reiterating the significance of judicial checks on executive power, emphasizing the importance of upholding constitutional boundaries to maintain democratic integrity. He underscores the bipartisan nature of the court's decision and the broader implications for future administrations, regardless of political affiliation.

Final Thoughts:
This episode of Tangle provides a comprehensive examination of the legal challenges to Trump's tariff policies, enriched with diverse perspectives and insightful analysis. For listeners seeking an in-depth understanding of the intersection between trade policy, law, and political strategy, this discussion offers valuable clarity and foresight.

Note: All timestamps correspond to the podcast transcript provided.