Fentanyl, National Security, and Legal Fallout
The legal foundation for Trump’s tariff regime? A declaration of national emergency—fueled by the flow of illegal fentanyl into the U.S. The administration invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), framing the crisis as a justification for aggressive economic countermeasures.
However, that move ignited a flurry of lawsuits, with states and U.S. businesses challenging the legality of the tariffs in federal courts. These cases, still winding through the judiciary, could reshape the limits of presidential power over international trade.
Canada Fires Back: Retaliation and Escalation
Not one to sit idle, Canada fired back with retaliatory tariffs, targeting a broad range of American exports—from steel and aluminum to auto parts. These measures, spearheaded by Carney’s administration, underscored the Canadian government’s intent to push back against what it sees as unilateral overreach.
The Prime Minister’s Office declined to comment on the G7 talks as of Monday evening, but sources suggest backroom negotiations are ongoing, with potential compromises on sector-specific tariffs in the works.
