Desk: In a bizarre turn during a U.S. court hearing on tariffs, the Trump administration has claimed that limiting the President’s powers to impose tariffs could endanger the fragile ceasefire between India and Pakistan. The case, currently being heard in the U.S. Court of International Trade, centers on the Trump-era decision to levy sweeping tariffs on several major global economies.
According to a report by The Indian Express, court documents reveal that senior Trump officials defended the use of emergency powers to impose tariffs. They argued that any curtailment of these powers could undermine America’s trade negotiations and potentially destabilize global security. In a surprising assertion, the officials told the court that weakening tariff authority might threaten the ceasefire between two nuclear-armed nations—India and Pakistan.
Trump Administration’s Argument in Court
The lawsuit has been filed by a group of small American business owners, who argue that the Trump administration’s aggressive tariff policies could have widespread negative consequences for global trade. During the hearing on May 23, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick submitted a statement to the court, saying:
“Any ruling that limits the President’s tariff powers would impact regions where economic tools are used for strategic influence. For instance, just 13 days ago, India and Pakistan—both nuclear powers—were engaged in active conflict. The ceasefire on May 10, 2025, was only achieved after direct intervention from President Trump.”
Trump officials further claimed that to avert a large-scale war, the U.S. warned both nations of potential trade repercussions. They stressed that any legal decision weakening tariff powers could jeopardize regional stability and put millions of lives at risk.
India Rejects Trump’s Ceasefire Credit Claim
India has repeatedly refuted claims that President Trump was the primary force behind the ceasefire. The conflict escalated following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, on April 22, which led India to launch Operation Sindoor, targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. In retaliation, Pakistan launched attacks against Indian positions, prompting a strong response from Indian forces.
As tensions peaked, a ceasefire was declared on May 10, with Trump attempting to claim credit for brokering peace. However, Indian officials have stated that the ceasefire was the result of direct bilateral communication, and that Pakistan had appealed to India for the agreement. India has made it clear on several occasions that the resolution came from a mutual understanding and not external pressure.