A federal trade court has dealt Trump his latest setback, ruling that the 10 percent global tariff on most imports exceeds presidential authority under the law. The duty remains in place while the administration appeals, but the decision adds to the chaos that has defined the president's trade war since taking office.

The Supreme Court invalidated most of Trump's original "Liberation Day" tariffs back in February, and the administration is now processing refunds totaling roughly $166 billion to affected businesses. Initial reimbursement checks are expected to start going out as soon as Monday.

Certain tariff categories have held up better legally. Levies on automobiles and steel imposed under Section 232—invoking national security powers—remain intact, though they've fluctuated as the administration balances economic objectives with political fallout. The administration is also leveraging Section 301 to scrutinize trade practices across dozens of countries.

Trump responded to the recent court defeat by suggesting he'll find alternative approaches. "We always do it a different way," he told reporters. With more tariff threats already targeting European nations and additional investigations in motion, businesses remain in a state of perpetual uncertainty as the legal and trade landscape keeps shifting.