ILLINOIS — A prominent Illinois-based educational toy company is urging the U.S. Supreme Court to take up its challenge against Trump-era tariffs, arguing they were imposed illegally and without proper congressional oversight — and that further delay could worsen economic harm.
Learning Resources Inc., headquartered in Vernon Hills, filed a petition demanding swift review by the high court, citing the “massive impact” the tariffs have already had on their business operations and consumer pricing across the nation.
Company Claims Tariffs Were Enacted Without Proper Authority
The lawsuit hinges on the interpretation of the Emergency Powers Act, which the Trump administration invoked to justify broad tariffs under the guise of addressing the national trade deficit. However, Learning Resources argues the measure was an overreach that bypassed Congress.
Though the company initially won a favorable ruling in a lower court, that victory has been paused by a federal appeals court that’s now reviewing a similar case. The appeals hearing is set for late July, but Learning Resources is pushing for an immediate Supreme Court ruling, citing urgent business disruption.
CEO Warns of Consumer Price Hikes and Supply Chain Stress
Company CEO Rick Woldenberg said the ongoing uncertainty has led to widespread cost increases and forced businesses like his to raise prices reluctantly:
“All the people that are raising their prices are doing it with a sense of dread,” he told CBS News. “I think our case raises uniquely important questions that this administration won’t accept unless the Supreme Court rules on them.”
Learning Resources — known for award-winning educational toys like Botley the Coding Robot and the Pretend & Play Cash Register — has made major investments to diversify its supply base, but says the complexity of doing so is worsened by inconsistent trade rules.
Supreme Court May Decline Review — But Stakes Are High
Legal experts note that the Supreme Court rarely intervenes in cases still under review in appellate courts. But Woldenberg and his legal team argue the stakes are too high to wait.
The tariffs, originally marketed by the Trump administration as a way to rebalance manufacturing and negotiate better trade deals, have instead led to price increases and prolonged uncertainty across several industries — toys included.
The broader trade impact has put added pressure on seasonal retail windows like back-to-school shopping and the holiday toy market, making resolution time-sensitive for suppliers, retailers, and families alike.
Do You Think Tariffs Help or Hurt Illinois Businesses?
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