The US Supreme Court is poised to issue its first decision of the new term today, with one highly anticipated case being the legality of Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs. The court will decide whether the president can invoke the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose levies on dozens of countries without the approval of Congress.
The ruling comes as the administration has been facing criticism over its handling of Venezuela, where US President Donald Trump recently launched an unprecedented operation to seize the country's president, Nicolás Maduro. The move was seen as a significant escalation in the US response to Venezuela's government.
While the exact decision is uncertain, the court's scheduling of "decision day" for this Friday has fueled speculation that the tariff case could be decided today. The ruling could also fall short of a definitive outcome on both issues, leaving some uncertainty about its impact.
The administration has argued that it needs to act quickly in response to Venezuela's alleged human rights abuses and the humanitarian crisis in the country. However, critics have accused Trump of overstepping his authority and violating international law with the tariffs.
The Supreme Court's decision will be closely watched by policymakers and economists, who are eager for clarity on the administration's actions. The ruling could also have significant implications for US trade policy and its relationships with other countries.
In related news, the US Coast Guard has seized a fifth sanctioned tanker suspected of carrying oil to and from Venezuela. The targeted vessel is the Olina, which left last week fully loaded with oil after being captured by the US in a raid on Venezuela. The seizure was seen as a significant escalation in the US response to Venezuela's government.
Additionally, Pope Leo XIV has denounced the use of force by nations to assert their dominance worldwide, saying that it undermines peace and the post-World War II international legal order. The pope's comments come amid tensions between major world powers over issues such as trade, security, and human rights.
The US unemployment rate fell back to 4.4% in December, while hiring held firm in the US last month, with employers adding 50,000 jobs to the labor force. However, retail employment saw a decline of 25,000 jobs, suggesting a tougher job market in that sector.
Federal Reserve officials are expected to weigh this latest data at their next policy meeting at the end of January, when they will decide whether to lower interest rates or keep them on hold.
The ruling comes as the administration has been facing criticism over its handling of Venezuela, where US President Donald Trump recently launched an unprecedented operation to seize the country's president, Nicolás Maduro. The move was seen as a significant escalation in the US response to Venezuela's government.
While the exact decision is uncertain, the court's scheduling of "decision day" for this Friday has fueled speculation that the tariff case could be decided today. The ruling could also fall short of a definitive outcome on both issues, leaving some uncertainty about its impact.
The administration has argued that it needs to act quickly in response to Venezuela's alleged human rights abuses and the humanitarian crisis in the country. However, critics have accused Trump of overstepping his authority and violating international law with the tariffs.
The Supreme Court's decision will be closely watched by policymakers and economists, who are eager for clarity on the administration's actions. The ruling could also have significant implications for US trade policy and its relationships with other countries.
In related news, the US Coast Guard has seized a fifth sanctioned tanker suspected of carrying oil to and from Venezuela. The targeted vessel is the Olina, which left last week fully loaded with oil after being captured by the US in a raid on Venezuela. The seizure was seen as a significant escalation in the US response to Venezuela's government.
Additionally, Pope Leo XIV has denounced the use of force by nations to assert their dominance worldwide, saying that it undermines peace and the post-World War II international legal order. The pope's comments come amid tensions between major world powers over issues such as trade, security, and human rights.
The US unemployment rate fell back to 4.4% in December, while hiring held firm in the US last month, with employers adding 50,000 jobs to the labor force. However, retail employment saw a decline of 25,000 jobs, suggesting a tougher job market in that sector.
Federal Reserve officials are expected to weigh this latest data at their next policy meeting at the end of January, when they will decide whether to lower interest rates or keep them on hold.