In February, the Supreme Court determined that tariffs imposed by the Trump administration were illegal, mandating refunds to be issued. Yet, four months later, obstacles remain clear. Of the $166 billion owed, only $21 billion has been returned so far. An additional $40 billion remains unresolved as the administration requires each importer to file lawsuits to claim their money.
Unfortunately, working families, small businesses, farmers, and others who bore the true cost are left empty-handed. Under the present system, they continue receiving nothing. The refund process appears designed this way.
As fiscal managers of states reliant on cross-border trade, we’ve seen directly how unconstitutional tariffs escalate costs throughout our economies. Retailers added these import expenses to consumer prices for groceries and everyday products.
The system favors large importers and corporations, which have the legal capability to manage complicated filings and legal proceedings. Others are effectively blocked. The broader economic impact is widely felt.
On average, working families paid $1,700 more per household. The tariffs added about $80 billion in extra costs, squeezing Main Street businesses and straining household budgets further. Small retailers bore higher costs to retain customers. Farmers and manufacturers faced pressure on all their inputs. Everyday Americans dealing with rising inflation and high grocery and gas prices find relief nonexistent.
The administration’s strategy seems to direct relief toward a narrow group of large importers, excluding the consumers and small businesses who felt the real impact but lack lawsuit resources. Moreover, the obstruction extends further by requiring individual lawsuits to access $40 billion in refunds, avoiding automatic refunds. Meanwhile, new tariffs are levied to replace those nullified by courts, perpetuating harm instead of rectifying it. The administration also blocked a CBP Commissioner’s hearing about refund eligibility, resulting in a federal appeals court pausing the testimony.
This scenario goes beyond policy disputes. It indicates a deliberate effort to block refunds, favoring corporations while neglecting working families. It undermines the economic stability our states rely on. Sustainable growth is fostered by Main Street businesses able to plan, invest, and hire with assurance—not through a system concentrating benefits at the top.
Refunds must reach the households and small businesses that incurred these costs. Legitimate evaluation of the harm should restore those people.
The administration should create a transparent, publicly accessible registry showing who receives refunds, how much, and why. Without transparency, process fairness and accountability cannot be verified.
The administration must cease appealing orders that widen refund access. Courts have already identified the issue. Continued obstruction worsens harm.
As this process stagnates, large corporations retain benefits while working families fall behind. Every appeal extends inequality.
As state leaders responsible for revenue, affordability, and economic stability, we cannot remain passive as a refund process intended to benefit select few disrupts the majority. Immediate action is necessary to ensure this process serves those who paid the costs.
Mike Pieciak is Vermont state treasurer and Julie Blaha is Minnesota auditor. The views shared in this article are personal to the authors.
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