In February 2026, the Supreme Court ruled that tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act exceeded his powers. Following this ruling, U.S. Customs and Border Protection initiated a refund process for importers, allowing them to apply for refunds on tariffs totaling $166 billion. By May 22, 2026, $85 billion in potential refunds had been accepted for processing, with $20.6 billion already sent to the U.S. Treasury. However, the Justice Department announced plans to appeal a federal judge's order that allowed all importers, not just those who sued, to seek refunds. The administration argued that the judge exceeded his authority and that refunds could only be issued to those who had completed the liquidation process or had sued for recovery. This appeal reflects a broader pattern of the Trump administration's legal strategies to maintain executive power and resist universal injunctions. The implications of this appeal could affect businesses and the political landscape ahead of the midterm elections, as the administration's tariff policies remain unpopular among many stakeholders.