The Unknown U.S. Judge Who’s About to Force Trump to Pay Back $166 Billion in Tariffs.

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Judge Richard Eaton, a little-known federal trade judge, is shaking up Washington by demanding that the Trump administration return up to $166 billion in tariffs collected—tariffs some say were unlawfully imposed. Critics argue his push for rapid refunds could strain the Treasury and reward companies that benefited from government protectionism, while supporters say he’s holding the government accountable for breaking the law. Eaton’s rulings, though largely flying under the radar, could rewrite U.S. trade enforcement and spark a political firestorm over the costs and legality of America’s tariff policies.

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March 16, 2026 at 9:58 AM