PETER QUINTER | Trump's Tariffs On Trial

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Episode Overview

In this gripping episode of Privileged Discussions: Current Affairs and Global Trade, host Justin Hayden Miller, a global trade lawyer, sits down with renowned U.S. trade attorney Peter Quinter to unpack the legal battles surrounding President Trump’s controversial tariffs. From their constitutionality to their unprecedented use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977, we dive into whether these tariffs will stand up in U.S. courts, including the Supreme Court. With global trade at stake, this episode explores the economic impacts, historical parallels, and what’s next for American businesses and consumers.

Key Topics Discussed

• Trump’s Tariff Strategy: How President Trump’s executive orders since January 20, 2025, have reshaped U.S. trade policy, sparking a global trade war.
• Legal Challenges: Two landmark cases (VOS Selections Inc. vs. United States and Learning Resources Inc. vs. Trump) headed to the U.S. Supreme Court, questioning the president’s authority under IEPA.
• U.S. Constitution and Tariffs: The role of Congress vs. the president in imposing tariffs, and the non-delegation doctrine’s impact on these cases.
• Economic Fallout: The effects of tariffs on industries like steel, aluminum, and toys, and the risk of inflation for U.S. consumers.
• Historical Context: Comparisons to Presidents Reagan and Nixon, with insights from Reagan’s 1987 free trade speech and Nixon’s media critique.
• Global Implications: How Trump’s tariffs affect not just U.S. citizens but global trade, from Miami’s ports to international markets.

Guest Spotlight: Peter Quinter

Peter Quinter, an equity partner at Gunster and chair of its U.S. Customs and International Trade Law Group, brings 35 years of expertise to the conversation. A globally recognized attorney ranked in Chambers USA, Peter has advised clients through the chaos of Trump’s tariff policies, offering unparalleled insights into their legal and economic ramifications.

Notable Quotes

• Peter Quinter: “These are the two most extraordinary cases that I’ve ever seen in my 35 years as a U.S. customs and international trade lawyer.” (On the Supreme Court-bound cases)
• Justin Hayden Miller: “Tariffs are somewhat on trial before the American people as well ... and the mainstream media undoubtedly has a part to play in this.”

President Reagan's Radio Address the Nation on Free and Fair Trade from Camp David, Maryland. Courtesy of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

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Chapters

1. Intro, Trump's Tariffs and Challenges (00:00:00)

2. The US Constitution and Tariffs (00:06:00)

3. Standard methods for Presidents to impose tariffs (00:08:38)

4. Reagan's Trade Philosophy (00:15:12)

5. IEEPA 1977: Trump's Unprecedented Tariff Tool (00:24:13)

6. Court Cases Challenging Trump's Tariffs (00:32:29)

7. Tariffs on Trial by the The People and the Media (00:42:50)