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)
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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.

01:18 - Source: CNN
Politics of the Day 15 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)
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Phil Mattingly explains why Trump has so much power over tariffs
01:18
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Trump dismisses free speech concerns after Kimmel's suspension
00:37
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Head of RFK Jr.’s vaccine panel challenges ex-CDC leaders to debate
01:27
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Trump: Putin 'let me down' with Russia-Ukraine situation
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Sen. Rand Paul grills ousted CDC director on vaccine guidance
02:12
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U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) speaks during a House Judiciary Committee hearing with FBI Director Kash Patel (not pictured), on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., September 17, 2025. REUTERS/Annabelle Gordon
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See shouting match after lawmaker accuses Patel of Epstein cover-up
02:18
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Ex-official on CDC losing career leaders
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Ex-CDC director: RFK Jr. required political sign-off on decisions
01:29
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What Kimmel said about Charlie Kirk that yanked his show off air
02:44
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Insults fly in shouting match between Patel and Rep. Eric Swalwell
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Royals roll out red carpet for Trump
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Deputy AG defends Trump's idea of prosecuting DC protesters
02:49
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Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel testifies before the House Judiciary Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on September 17, 2025 in Washington, DC. Patel is facing questions from lawmakers for the second straight day following a contentious hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee where he was criticized for his handling of investigations into the assassination of political activist Charlie Kirk and the case related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
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‘You’re not keeping your word’: House Dems grill Patel over past Epstein statements
02:55
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Today’s Fed meeting includes newly confirmed Stephen Miran and Lisa Cook, whom an appeals court just ruled can keep her job.
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The 'clear message' Fed is sending with interest rate cut
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Sen. Booker to FBI director: ‘ You’re failing as a leader’
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