Trump admin says refund process may take a long time: Politico

Trump admin says refund process may take a long time: Politico

Trump Administration Signals Delays in Tariff Refund Process Amid Legal Challenges

The Trump administration has indicated that refunding billions in tariffs recently invalidated by the U.S. Supreme Court could take "a long time," according to court filings and public statements. The Justice Department (DoJ) confirmed it will not seek a rehearing of the Supreme Court's decision, which struck down key aspects of the former administration's 2018-2019 tariffs on steel, aluminum, and Chinese goods according to court filings. However, the government is pursuing delays in lower-court proceedings to determine how—and whether—importers will recover the funds.

In a filing with the U.S. Court of International Trade, the DoJ requested a potential four-month postponement of litigation over refund eligibility, citing the "complexity" of the issue. The department argued that companies—many of which have already filed lawsuits or are rushing to court following the Supreme Court ruling—should not expedite the process. Meanwhile, President Trump expressed frustration on Truth Social, criticizing the ruling as "highly disappointing" and questioning whether "rehearing or readjudication" of the case remains possible according to public statements.

The Supreme Court's decision has triggered a surge in refund claims, with businesses seeking repayment of tariffs they argue were unlawfully imposed. Legal experts estimate the refunds could total tens of billions of dollars, though the administration has hinted at contesting claims it deems "unearned" as reports indicate.

The prolonged legal battle creates uncertainty for companies and investors, as the timeline for refund distributions—and potential appeals—remains unclear. With the DoJ prioritizing litigation delays and Trump advocating for a defense of the tariffs' legitimacy, the next phase of this dispute is likely to unfold over months, if not longer.

The Guardian, Bloomberg Law; Bloomberg Law