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
1:18
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'We're all angry right now': Dan Osborn explains leaked audio of him saying some Trump voters' 'lives probably suck'
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'Down we go': Harry Enten looks at data behind Trump’s tanking approval rating on Russia-Ukraine war
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Todd Blanche defends Hegseth amid GOP congressman's impeachment push
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Kerry Kennedy on Kennedy Center closure: This is 'hostage taking by the president'
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Comer introduces bill to allow abuse survivors to speak out even if they signed an NDA
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Sanders bashes 'narcissist' Trump for downplaying AI concerns
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Rep. Massie pushes surprise impeachment vote of Hegseth
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WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 15: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel testifies during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in the Hart Senate Office Building on September 15, 2026 in Washington, DC. The committee held the oversight hearing to examine the Federal Bureau of Investigation. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
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Patel loses temper when asked how FBI will monitor elections
2:20
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WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 15: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel testifies during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in the Hart Senate Office Building on September 15, 2026 in Washington, DC. The committee held the oversight hearing to examine the Federal Bureau of Investigation. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
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Patel defends his trip to Italy during Olympics
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Gavin Newsom tells CNN's Jake Tapper he won't run for president if Kamala Harris runs in 2028
2:09
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