US President Donald Trump pauses while speaking at the Economic Club of New York at the New York Hilton Midtown November 12, 2019, in New York, New York. - European stock markets closed higher on Tuesday, helped by speculation that US President Donald Trump will postpone a tariffs decision on European-made cars. (Photo by Brendan Smialowski / AFP) (Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
Phil Mattingly explains why Trump has so much power over tariffs

CNN’s Phil Mattingly explains why the executive branch has the power to impose tariffs on other countries, and why President Donald Trump’s unprecedented actions aren’t likely to face any opposition, legal or political, for now.

1:18 • Source: CNN
Politics of the Day 13 videos
US President Donald Trump pauses while speaking at the Economic Club of New York at the New York Hilton Midtown November 12, 2019, in New York, New York. - European stock markets closed higher on Tuesday, helped by speculation that US President Donald Trump will postpone a tariffs decision on European-made cars. (Photo by Brendan Smialowski / AFP) (Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
Phil Mattingly explains why Trump has so much power over tariffs
1:18
Now playing
• Source: CNN
po.jpg
Pope Leo says spat with Trump is not focus of his Africa trip
0:41
Now playing
• Source: CNN
Screenshot 2026-04-18 at 11.05.14 AM.png
Smerconish: To end the Iran conflict, Congress must authorize it
6:02
Now playing
• Source: CNN
Thumbnail 02.jpg
Trump announces US blockade on Iranian ports throughout the Strait of Hormuz
4:35
Now playing
• Source: CNN
Mejia.jpg
Progressive's big win adds to Dem sweep, sends warning to Trump & GOP
4:10
Now playing
• Source: CNN
118900_TrumpPopeIran._cleanthumb_16x9.jpg
Kaitlan Collins asks Trump why he's fighting with the pope
1:43
Now playing
• Source: CNN
still_22547828_2640438.1279999996_still.jpg
The Odds: Iran war's impact on Congressional races
3:53
Now playing
• Source: CNN
This rendering shows the design for President Donald Trump’s proposed “Triumphal Arch” in Washington, DC.
Trump's 250-foot arch clears approval hurdle despite overwhelming negative public feedback
2:07
Now playing
• Source: CNN
118907_RFKReparenting HZ THUMB CLEAN.png
Lawmaker presses RFK Jr. on comments on 're-parenting' Black kids
2:05
Now playing
• Source: CNN
RFK Jr.jpg
New book on RFK Jr. draws from his diaries, reveals new details
4:08
Now playing
• Source: CNN
260416_hegseth_blockade.00_01_51_23.Still001.jpg
Gen. Caine shows how US blockade against Iran began
4:18
Now playing
• Source: CNN
260416_hegseth.00_00_05_06.Still001.jpg
Hegseth warns Iranian regime to 'choose wisely'
0:58
Now playing
• Source: CNN
An undated image from Facebook shows former Virginia Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax and his wife Cerina Fairfax.
Former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax kills his wife, then himself
1:50
Now playing
• Source: CNN