In February, the Supreme Court ruled that the tariffs enacted by the Trump administration were unlawful and ordered refunds. Yet, four months later, the obstruction of justice is evident. Out of the $166 billion owed, a mere $21 billion has been repaid. An additional $40 billion remains in limbo as individual lawsuits are required for importers to reclaim their money. Working families, small businesses, and farmers who should receive this money are left without relief. The refund process seems designed to keep them waiting.
As fiscal stewards of border states reliant on cross-border trade, we have witnessed the impact of unconstitutional tariffs. These tariffs have inflated costs across various sectors. Retailers faced higher import costs, and they passed them onto consumers with increased prices on everyday goods and groceries. The system favors large importers and corporations with the legal resources to manage complex filings and court procedures, leaving smaller entities excluded. Yet, the economic burden is shared broadly.
Working families paid an average of $1,700 more per household. The tariffs added approximately $80 billion in costs, squeezing Main Street businesses and stretching family budgets. Small retailers bore higher prices to retain customers, while farmers and manufacturers struggled with elevated input costs. For Americans already facing inflation, rising grocery prices, and high gas costs, relief is a distant prospect.
The administration’s refund process benefits a small group of large importers while excluding consumers and small businesses that endured the policy’s hardships. The obstruction extends further. Individual lawsuits are required for each importer, blocking automatic refunds. As the administration holds back $40 billion and imposes new tariffs to offset those struck down by the courts, harm persists without remedy. When a court mandated testimony from the CBP Commissioner regarding refund eligibility, the administration intervened to obstruct the hearing, leading to a temporary halt by a federal appeals court.
These actions surpass mere policy disputes. The administration’s deliberate obstruction favors large corporations, neglecting working families. This undermines the economic stability our states need. Sustainable growth relies on Main Street businesses capable of planning, investing, and hiring confidently—not on a system that concentrates benefits at the top.
Relief must be directed to households and small businesses that genuinely bore these costs. Honest accounting of harm must ensure these entities are made whole.
The administration should establish a transparent registry detailing who receives refunds, how much, and the reasons. Without this, fairness and accountability cannot be verified.
Appeal against orders broadening refund access must cease. Courts have recognized the issue, and continued obstruction exacerbates harm.
With each day this process remains unchanged, large corporations retain gains while working families suffer. Each appeal prolongs their inequity.
As state leaders entrusted with revenue, affordability, and economic stability, we cannot allow a refund process designed for the few to undermine the many. It is crucial to act now to ensure justice.
Mike Pieciak is the Vermont state treasurer, and Julie Blaha is the Minnesota auditor. The opinions expressed are their own.