Invoked emergency powers (IEEPA) to impose tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China tied to fentanyl and border demands — the first use of IEEPA to levy broad tariffs.
Executive orders 14193/14194/14195 declaring border/drug emergencies; rates were repeatedly adjusted, paused and escalated through 2025.
Mixed impactcontested
Used as leverage in border and drug negotiations.
Some tariffs were paused after concessions; effectiveness on fentanyl flows is disputed.
Negative impactsubstantiated
Contributed to higher import costs and legal challenges.
The novel IEEPA-tariff theory was challenged in court; combined with later tariffs it raised the average U.S. tariff rate to ~80-year highs.
Negative impactsubstantiated
Ruled unlawful by the Supreme Court (Feb 2026).
The Court's 6-3 decision invalidating IEEPA tariffs covered these fentanyl/border tariffs; they were terminated Feb 24, 2026.