President Donald Trump's unprecedented use of tariffs as a foreign policy tool faces a critical legal challenge this week as the Supreme Court prepares to hear arguments challenging the constitutionality of his trade approach [1][7].

Throughout his second term, Trump has wielded import taxes as a multifaceted diplomatic instrument, using tariffs to influence international relations in ways no previous president has attempted. From securing ceasefires to pressuring nations on border control and judicial matters, Trump has transformed tariffs from an economic mechanism into a geopolitical weapon [1].

The Supreme Court's upcoming hearing centers on whether Trump has overstepped federal law with his extensive tariff implementations. A ruling against the president could significantly curtail his ability to use import taxes as swift diplomatic leverage [1].

Trump's tariff strategy has been particularly aggressive, with declarations of national emergencies underpinning his trade policies. In April, he dramatically claimed the United States had been "looted, pillaged, raped, and plundered" by other countries through trade deficits, justifying sweeping tariff measures [8].

The potential Supreme Court decision could either limit Trump's trade powers or unexpectedly expand them, creating a pivotal moment in presidential trade authority [8].