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Tariffs Push Up Prices, and the Supreme Court’s ‘Shadow Docket’

The New York Times's profile
Original Story by The New York Times
July 16, 2025
Tariffs Push Up Prices, and the Supreme Court’s ‘Shadow Docket’

Context:

Tariffs imposed by the Trump administration have led to noticeable price increases on consumer goods like appliances, clothing, and furniture, as these products are heavily affected by taxes on imports from major trading partners. The Supreme Court continues to rule in Trump's favor in several cases without providing detailed explanations, raising concerns about transparency. The State Department has been impacted by layoffs, particularly among analysts focusing on Russia and Ukraine, following a Supreme Court decision. The Health and Human Services department has also finalized thousands of layoffs, highlighting the significant impact of recent judicial decisions on federal employment. Additionally, libraries face rising costs for e-books, prompting some states to consider measures to alleviate financial burdens on public institutions.

Dive Deeper:

  • Tariff increases under the Trump administration have led to significant price hikes in consumer goods, particularly those imported from major trading partners, affecting everyday items such as appliances, clothing, and furniture.

  • The Supreme Court's consistent rulings in favor of Trump without providing detailed justifications have sparked discussions on the lack of clarity and transparency in these judicial decisions.

  • Layoffs within the State Department have been heavily concentrated among analysts specializing in Russia and Ukraine, a move influenced by a recent Supreme Court ruling, which underscores the broader implications of governmental policies on international affairs expertise.

  • The Health and Human Services department has finalized numerous layoffs following a Supreme Court decision, demonstrating the considerable impact of the judiciary's decisions on federal employment and public sector stability.

  • Libraries are facing increased expenses for e-books, with some states exploring legislative solutions to reduce the financial strain on public libraries and ensure broader access to digital content for their communities.

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