Opposition to Trump's Policies
Neal Katyal is an Indian-origin lawyer who has challenged many policies of former President Donald Trump in court. In 2017, during the first term of Trump, he represented cases opposing Trump's travel restrictions on certain countries. Katyal is also the author of “Impeach: The Case Against Donald Trump.”
So far, small businesses and a coalition of Democratic-led states have filed petitions in opposition to Trump's new tariffs. The groups will argue before the U.S. Supreme Court this week, and Katyal will take the lead.
Tariffs and Legal Challenges
After he was re-elected to office for a second term, Trump slapped tariffs on various countries, longstanding allies and rivals alike. At the time, the Trump administration said the action was executed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
Critics, however, say that Trump abused the act and acted in violation of federal law. A number of lower courts have already blocked portions of his tariff policy, and the U.S. government appealed to the Supreme Court. A hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.
Trump's Response and Representation in Court
He was initially expected to appear at the hearing in person but changed his mind. The government will be represented by Treasury Secretary Scott Besant. On social media, Trump wrote: "If we win, America will become the richest and safest country in the world. If we lose, it will become the poorest. I pray that this does not happen."
The Supreme Court now prepares to consider one of the most consequential cases of modern U.S. legal history, one with the potential to reshape presidential powers on matters related to economic policy and international trade.
Who is Neal Katyal?
Neal Katyal, 54, was born in Chicago to Indian immigrant parents. A graduate of Yale Law School, he became the Acting Solicitor General under President Barack Obama. To date, Katyal has argued more than 50 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court.
His strong legal background coupled with arguments previously advanced against Trump's policies has brought this case to the international limelight.
Tags Cloud
