Trump’s Illegal Tariffs Now Refundable, Like Your Worst Investment Ever
KEY POINTS
- •The Supreme Court overturned Trump's illegal tariffs in February, prompting legal orders to refund importers.
- •As of April 9, only 56,500 of 330,000 importers enrolled on the new CAPE refund portal requiring bank info.
- •FedEx and Costco pledged to pass refunds to customers, while legal battles and appeals likely continue for years.
Starting Monday, U.S. businesses can ask for refunds on illegal tariffs slapped on by the Trump administration — a stunning $166 billion paid by 330,000 importers who thought paying extra was just a new tax season tradition. Thanks to the Supreme Court's February ruling and last month's Court of International Trade order, the government launched the bewilderingly named CAPE portal (not a superhero cape, but a refund gateway) via CBP’s Automated Commercial Environment system. Only 56,500 importers had enrolled by April 9. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent grimly predicted a mess lasting years, and Trump joked about 2-5 more years of litigation. FedEx and Costco even promised refunds to customers, though vesting these refunds is about as straightforward as assembling IKEA furniture blindfolded. Meanwhile, Costco filed a lawsuit back in November, apparently deciding to fight tariffs like a membership perk.
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(1 of 3)Refunds on illegal tariffs are opening, but expect IRS-level delays and a portal named CAPE — because what screams speed like bureaucracy bundled in superhero acronyms?
330,000 importers handed over $166 billion, now waiting on a portal with a superhero name to return it. CAPE does not fly fast.
Trump’s tariffs were illegal, but now we get to enjoy years competing with DMV wait times for refunds. Monopoly money, anyone?
Source: Axios | Published: 4/20/2026 | Author: Rebecca Falconer
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