An Illinois-based toy maker, Learning Resources Inc., has taken its tariff battle to the US Supreme Court, urging the justices to swiftly rule on the legality of former President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs. In legal documents, the company emphasised the urgency, citing “the tariffs’ massive impact on virtually every business and consumer across the Nation, and the unremitting whiplash caused by the unfettered tariffing power the President claims.”The company contends that Trump overstepped his authority by using an emergency powers law to impose tariffs without congressional approval. It filed the appeal in a bid to bypass ongoing proceedings in lower courts.Despite securing an initial lower court victory, the ruling remains suspended whilst an appeals court evaluates a similar decision that more broadly challenges Trump’s tariffs. Currently, Trump maintains authority to collect tariffs under emergency powers legislation, with arguments scheduled for late July.The Supreme Court traditionally avoids cases before appeals courts reach decisions, reducing the likelihood of granting the expedited hearing requested by the company.Learning Resources CEO Rick Woldenberg highlighted the current impact of tariffs and uncertainty, particularly concerning the approaching back-to-school and holiday periods, which typically generate their highest annual sales.“All the people that are raising their prices are doing it with a sense of dread,” Woldenberg told The Associated Press. But, “we do not have a choice. We absolutely do not have a choice,” he added.The company’s legal representatives proposed scheduling arguments for late summer or early autumn.The Trump administration’s defence maintains that emergency powers legislation authorises presidential control over imports during national emergencies, considering the persistent trade deficit as such an emergency.Trump presents tariffs as mechanisms to encourage domestic manufacturing, generate Treasury revenue, and negotiate more advantageous international trade agreements.Woldenberg described investing substantial resources into diversifying his company’s supply chain, whilst acknowledging the process as lengthy and unpredictable.“I think that our case raises uniquely important questions that this administration won’t accept unless the Supreme Court rules on them,” he said.The family-owned enterprise, located in Vernon Hills, Illinois, produces items including the Pretend & Play Calculator Cash Register for $43.99 and Botley the Coding Robot for $57.99.
