Trump administration asks to pause ruling against tariffs

US President Donald Trump 

The Trump administration has asked the US Court of International Trade to suspend a court ruling that blocked the administration's 10% global tariffs imposed in February, pending a decision on the government's appeal.

Last week, the court ruled the tariffs illegal under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. However, the ruling currently only suspends the tariffs for two companies and the state of Washington, which filed lawsuits challenging the decision.

In a court filing submitted Monday, the Justice Department argued that allowing the ruling to take effect could trigger thousands of lawsuits from importers seeking refunds, potentially undermining Trump's trade agenda and draining government resources.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick also filed briefs with the court Monday, arguing that the tariffs should remain in place until their scheduled expiration in July.