The Empire Hits Pause: Courts Check Trump, Musk Walks Away. What's Next?

A federal court blocked President Donald Trump's sweeping "Liberation Day" tariffs, and Elon Musk announced his departure from the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)

On May 28, 2025, two significant developments reshaped the U.S. political and economic landscape: a federal court blocked President Donald Trump's sweeping "Liberation Day" tariffs, and Elon Musk announced his departure from the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Trump's Tariffs Blocked by Federal Court

The U.S. Court of International Trade ruled that President Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs, imposed on April 2, 2025, exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The court found that the IEEPA does not grant the president unlimited power to impose tariffs without congressional approval. As a result, the court permanently enjoined the enforcement of these tariffs, which had included a baseline 10% rate and higher "reciprocal" rates on imports from various countries. 

The ruling emphasized that the power to regulate international commerce lies with Congress, not the executive branch. While the administration plans to appeal the decision, the court's stance reinforces the constitutional separation of powers and limits on executive authority in trade matters. 

Elon Musk Steps Down from DOGE

Elon Musk announced his resignation from his role as a special government employee leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a position he held for five months. Musk's departure comes as he nears the maximum allowable tenure for such a role and follows his public criticism of a recent tax-and-spending bill passed by the Republican-controlled House, which he argued undermined DOGE's mission to reduce federal spending.

During his tenure, Musk aimed to cut $2 trillion in federal spending but achieved only a fraction of that goal. His aggressive cost-cutting measures and clashes with the federal bureaucracy drew both support and criticism. Musk's exit signals a shift back to focusing on his business ventures, including Tesla and SpaceX. 

What This Means for the Future (Yes, the Future-Future)

So—Trump’s tariffs just got body-checked by the courts, and Elon Musk rage-quit the government. Cool. But what does this mean for the rest of us trying to live, work, and afford coffee in 2025 and beyond? Let’s break it down:

Congress Might Actually Start Acting Like Congress

For years, presidents have been stacking executive orders like they’re Pokémon cards. But the court basically said, “Nah, that’s not how trade works.” This might force future presidents to go through actual laws again—and push Congress to stop being a rubber stamp.

TL;DR: Expect more gridlock, but also more stability in U.S. trade policy. Less "tariff whiplash."

Tech Bros vs. Government? Yeah, That Might Be Done.

Musk tried to run the government like a startup—fast, lean, ruthless. Turns out the feds don’t do “move fast and break things.” His exit shows that big personalities can’t bulldoze bureaucracy without backup.

TL;DR: Future reform won’t come from one billionaire, it’ll take boring stuff like teams, rules, and actual cooperation.

Courts Are the New MVPs

The judges came through like referees throwing a flag on a messy play. This decision might set a precedent that reins in any future president trying to pull economic power moves solo.

TL;DR: Courts are becoming the real checks-and-balances kings. Expect more legal smackdowns if lines get crossed.

Expect More Political Chaos Over "Power Levels"

One side will say the courts and bureaucrats are blocking “progress.” The other will say they’re saving democracy from wannabe emperors. Either way, the 2026 elections will get very spicy.

TL;DR: Executive power is gonna be a hot-button issue. Pick your fighter.

Less “Main Character Energy,” More Real Work

Musk’s flop proves that fixing the system isn’t about flash—it’s about structure. The next big government reformers won’t be meme lords. They’ll be quiet nerds in glasses with spreadsheets. And honestly? That might be better.

TL;DR: Real change won’t go viral. It’ll go through committees.