The Latest: Federal court blocks Trump's sweeping tariffs, citing economic chaos

A federal trade court on Wednesday blocked President Donald Trump from imposing sweeping tariffs on imports under an emergency-powers law. The ruling from a three-judge panel came after several lawsuits arguing Trump has exceeded his authority, left U.S. trade policy dependent on his whims and unleashed economic chaos.

At least seven lawsuits are challenging the levies, the centerpiece of Trump’s trade policy. Tariffs must typically be approved by Congress, but Trump says he has the power to act because the country’s trade deficits amount to a national emergency.

Here's the latest:

Court says Trump’s tariffs exceed his presidential authority

“The Worldwide and Retaliatory Tariff Orders exceed any authority granted to the President by IEEPA to regulate importation by means of tariffs,” the court wrote, referring to the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

The White House did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment. The Trump administration is expected to appeal.

At least seven lawsuits are challenging the levies, the centerpiece of Trump’s trade policy.

Tariffs must typically be approved by Congress, but Trump says he has the power to act because the country’s trade deficits amount to a national emergency. He imposed tariffs on most of the countries in the world at one point, sending markets reeling.

TV star Todd Chrisley is released from prison after Trump’s pardon

Reality TV star Todd Chrisley was released Wednesday from federal prison after being pardoned by Trump, a spokesperson for his defense lawyer said.

Chrisley, 57, best known for the TV series “Chrisley Knows Best,” was freed from a minimum-security prison camp in Pensacola, Florida, where he was imprisoned after being convicted three years ago of bank fraud and tax evasion.

His wife and TV co-star, Julie Chrisley, 52, also was pardoned by Trump. It was not immediately known when she would be released from a prison facility in Lexington, Kentucky.

▶ Read more about Todd Chrisley’s release

Trump issues pardons for a former army officer and a rapper

Trump has pardoned a former Army officer who was convicted of violating health protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic and a rapper convicted on gun charges.

Lt. Mark Bradshaw was found guilty in 2022 for refusing to undergo a COVID-19 test. A White House official said he’d received a pardon Tuesday.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss matters that have not yet been made public.

The official also confirmed a pardon being received by Kentrell Gaulden, the rapper known as NBA YoungBoy, who was convicted on gun-related charges in Louisiana and pleaded guilty to being part of a prescription drug fraud ring in Utah.

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Associated Press reporter Will Weissert contributed to this report.

Ex-Connecticut Gov. John Rowland, who resigned amid a corruption scandal, is pardoned by Trump

Former Connecticut Gov. John Rowland, whose promising political career was upended by a corruption scandal, has been pardoned by Trump.

The Republican governor, who served from 1995 until 2004, was among a number of prominent figures the Republican president granted clemency on Wednesday.

A White House official confirmed the pardon but spoke only on background to discuss matters that have not yet been made public.

Rowland called it a “wonderful final resolution” in a statement to local news outlets in Connecticut.

Rowland was elected governor three times before resigning amid a federal corruption investigation into gifts and favors that he accepted from state contractors.

▶ Read more about the former governor’s pardon