Who Is Neal Katyal? Indian-American Supreme Court Lawyer Challenging Trump’s Tariff Policy

Who Is Neal Katyal? Indian-American Lawyer Who Won Major Supreme Court Case Against Trump’s Tariffs

Indian-American attorney Neal Katyal secured a major legal victory before the Supreme Court of the United States, successfully challenging former President Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs.

The ruling marks one of the most significant legal setbacks for Trump since his return to the White House in 2025 and could reshape US trade policy moving forward.

Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump’s Global Tariffs

In a 6–3 verdict, the Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration overstepped its authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) — a 1977 law traditionally used for national security emergencies.

Trump had invoked the law to impose broad tariffs on nearly all US trading partners by declaring a national emergency over trade deficits. However, the Court determined that only Congress has the constitutional authority to impose taxes and tariffs.

Katyal, representing a group of small business owners, described the judgment as a “complete and total victory.”

“It’s a reaffirmation of our deepest constitutional values and the idea that Congress, not any one man, controls the power to tax the American people,” Katyal told reporters outside the court in Washington, DC.

Neal Katyal Reacts: “Victory for the Rule of Law”

Following the verdict, Katyal posted “Victory” on X (formerly Twitter), calling the decision a historic reaffirmation of constitutional principles.

In a later television appearance, he said:

•  “Presidents are powerful, but our Constitution is more powerful still. Only Congress can impose         taxes on the American people.”

He also emphasized the broader constitutional implications:

• “This case has always been about separation of powers, not politics.”
  

Why This Supreme Court Verdict Is Significant

Legal experts have described the ruling as among the most consequential in modern American history. The decision:

• Struck down sweeping global tariffs imposed since February 2025
• 
  
• Opened the door for refund claims on more than $133 billion collected under the policy
• 
  
• Potentially exposes up to $175 billion in tariff refunds, according to the Penn-Wharton Budget Model

The judgment also undercuts a central pillar of Trump’s economic and trade agenda ahead of upcoming mid-term elections.

Trump’s Response to the Ruling

Trump criticized the decision, calling it a “terrible ruling.” He announced plans to impose a temporary 10% global tariff under Trade Act of 1974 Section 122, which allows short-term import surcharges for up to 150 days.

However, experts note that such temporary measures require congressional approval for extensions.

The White House stated that tariffs remain a “critical tool” to protect American industries and workers.

What Happens to Country-Specific Tariffs?

According to administration officials:

• Countries with existing trade agreements will now face a 10% baseline tariff
• India will pay 10% under the new executive order
• Sector-specific tariffs under Section 232 (steel and aluminum) and Section 301 remain in effect
• Aluminium and steel exports to the US are still subject to separate duties

The ruling mainly impacts tariffs imposed under IEEPA authority.

Who Is Neal Katyal? Background and Career

Born on March 12, 1970, in Chicago to Indian immigrant parents, Neal Kumar Katyal is one of America’s most prominent Supreme Court advocates.

Education & Early Career

Graduated from Dartmouth College

Earned his law degree from Yale Law School

Clerked for US Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer

Government Service

Under the Obama administration, Katyal served as:

Acting Solicitor General of the United States (2010–2011)

Principal Deputy Solicitor General

Legal Achievements

Argued over 50 cases before the Supreme Court

Challenged Trump’s 2017 travel ban

Defended the constitutionality of the Voting Rights Act

Served as Special Prosecutor in the George Floyd case in Minnesota

He is currently:

A partner at Milbank LLP

Professor of National Security Law at Georgetown University

Katyal has received the Justice Department’s highest civilian honor, the Edmund Randolph Award, and has twice been named “Litigator of the Year” by The American Lawyer.

Broader Constitutional Implications

The case centered on whether the president could use emergency economic powers to reshape global trade policy without Congress. The Supreme Court’s ruling reinforced a core constitutional principle: separation of powers.

The decision signals limits on executive authority and may influence how future administrations deploy emergency economic laws.

Conclusion

Neal Katyal’s Supreme Court victory represents a defining legal moment in modern US constitutional history. By challenging presidential authority under IEEPA, he secured a ruling that reaffirms congressional control over taxation and trade policy.

The case not only impacts billions of dollars in tariffs but also reshapes the balance of power between the presidency and Congress.