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.

1:18 • Source: CNN
Politics of the Day 11 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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• Source: CNN
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Bessent: Nothing 'untoward' about Trump's face on a $250 bill
01:42
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First lady Jill Biden delivers remarks at the International African American Museum in Charleston, South Carolina, U.S., January 19, 2025. REUTERS/Nathan Howard
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Jill Biden worried Joe Biden had a stroke during 2024 debate
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'I don't care about the midterms': Trump says he won't be rushed into deal with Iran
00:38
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 24: New York mayoral candidate, State Rep. Zohran Mamdani (D-NY) speaks to supporters during an election night gathering at The Greats of Craft LIC on June 24, 2025 in the Long Island City neighborhood of the Queens borough in New York City. Mamdani was announced as the winner of the Democratic nomination for mayor in a crowded field in the City’s mayoral primary to choose a successor to Mayor Eric Adams, who is running for re-election on an independent ticket. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
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Mamdani trolls Ramaswamy after Knicks win
00:51
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WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 01: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks outside the U.S. Supreme Court on November 01, 2021 in Washington, DC. On Monday, the Supreme Court heard arguments in a challenge to the controversial Texas abortion law which bans abortions after 6 weeks. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
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Ken Paxton defeats Sen. John Cornyn in Texas primary election, CNN projects
03:40
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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks to reporters onboard his plane at Jaipur International Airport in Jaipur on May 26, 2026. (Photo by Julia Demaree Nikhinson / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)
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US carries out what it 'self-defense strikes' around the Strait of Hormuz
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The Odds: Spencer Pratt's bid for LA Mayor
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Booker on Iran talks: 'Trump is being played as a fool'
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Republican congressman challenges Trump on spending and January 6
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The Trump administration announces $1.8 billion ‘anti-weaponization’ fund, blindsiding GOP
04:53
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