Neal Katyal Celebrates 'Best Legal Team' Following US Supreme Court Ruling Against Trump Tariffs
In a significant legal victory, the US Supreme Court has struck down former President Donald Trump's sweeping global tariffs, declaring them illegal and questioning presidential authority to impose such trade duties without congressional approval. Indian-American litigator Neal Katyal, who argued the case before the Court, praised his team as the "best legal team in the world" following the landmark decision.
A Stinging Defeat for Trump and a Win for Constitutional Governance
The ruling represents a stinging defeat for Trump, with the Court firmly rejecting his administration's approach to trade policy. Katyal, a former acting US solicitor general under the Barack Obama administration, welcomed the outcome as a "decisive victory" for constitutional governance and the separation of powers. In a post on X, he expressed gratitude for his team, writing, "I have the best legal team in the world. Brilliant lawyers & the kindest of souls. Lucky."
Katyal's Statement on the Ruling and Its Broader Implications
Katyal, who serves as the Paul and Patricia Saunders Professor of National Security Law at Georgetown University Law Center, elaborated on the ruling's significance. He described it as a sweeping endorsement of the arguments presented in the case, which challenged what plaintiffs termed unconstitutional taxation by the executive branch. In an earlier statement on X, he emphasized the Court's role in upholding the rule of law, stating, "Today, the US Supreme Court stood up for the rule of law and Americans everywhere. Its message was simple: Presidents are powerful, but our Constitution is more powerful still. In America, only Congress can impose taxes on the American people."
Gratitude to Collaborators and the Impact on Small Businesses
Katyal extended his appreciation to key collaborators in the case, including the Liberty Justice Center and its chair, Sara Albrecht, for their "brilliant advocacy" and defense of the constitutional order. He also thanked five small business owners who stood against the tariffs, noting that their courage has provided crucial relief to tens of thousands of businesses and millions of consumers nationwide. Additionally, he acknowledged his Milbank LLP team, particularly Colleen Roh Sinzdak and Sami Ilagan, for their dedicated work in crafting the winning argument.
Focus on Separation of Powers and Katyal's Legal Expertise
Katyal stressed that the case was fundamentally about the presidency and separation of powers, rather than partisan politics. He expressed gratification that the Supreme Court, as a bedrock institution for 250 years, protected these fundamental values. As a partner at Milbank LLP, Katyal has argued dozens of cases before the US Supreme Court and is widely regarded as a leading constitutional lawyer, with expertise in executive power, national security law, and constitutional checks and balances.
Case Background and Constitutional Reaffirmation
The case, supported by the Liberty Justice Center and small business owners, centered on whether the president could impose taxes without congressional approval. By siding with the challengers, the Court reaffirmed that the power to levy taxes rests solely with Congress under Article I of the Constitution, reinforcing critical checks on executive authority.
