Trump slams Supreme Court ruling, pledges new 10% global tariffs, keeping trade battles alive despite legal setbacks.
Trump Calls Supreme Court Ruling “Disappointing”
U.S. President Donald Trump didn’t hold back on Friday after the Supreme Court struck down his global tariffs, calling the decision “deeply disappointing” and expressing frustration at justices he said lacked the courage to defend American interests.
Speaking at the White House, Trump promised a swift response: a new 10 per cent global tariff under a different legal authority, set to take effect immediately. He said this action would rely on Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act, allowing the tariffs to last for 150 days unless Congress votes to extend them.
Supreme Court Says Tariffs Overstepped Authority
The Supreme Court ruled that Trump exceeded his presidential powers by imposing tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and other countries using emergency powers. The justices sided with lower courts, which found Trump had misused the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, stated that the law “does not authorize the President to impose tariffs.” Surprisingly, Trump’s own appointees, Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch, joined the majority, marking a rare split with the president.
Trump’s Reaction: Tariffs Are “Vital” Tools
Despite the legal setback, Trump painted a defiant picture. He criticised the Supreme Court, calling some liberal justices “a disgrace” and even targeted Barrett and Gorsuch as “an embarrassment to their families.” He suggested foreign interests influenced the ruling, framing it as a political move against American priorities.
Trump insisted that tariffs remain a key negotiating tool, claiming they help reduce the national debt and support domestic policies. He also noted that existing tariffs on steel, aluminium, autos, and lumber remain untouched.
What’s Next: More Tariffs on the Horizon
Trump announced plans to explore additional import investigations under Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act, a move likely to trigger even more tariffs. He emphasised that the new 10 per cent tariff under Section 122 would address trade deficits but would be temporary, capped at 150 days.
The Supreme Court ruling mainly impacts the “reciprocal” tariffs Trump imposed to counter trade deficits and fentanyl-related emergencies. While some exemptions exist, particularly for Canada and Mexico under CUSMA, the decision removes a critical diplomatic tool, limiting his leverage in future trade negotiations.
Economic Impact Remains Unclear
The full effect of the ruling is still unfolding. The Penn-Wharton Budget Model reports that U.S. revenue from Trump’s previous IEEPA tariffs totaled US$164.7 billion, accounting for over half of all customs duties collected since last January. Questions remain about whether American businesses might seek refunds for tariffs already paid—a legal battle that could stretch on.
Trump remains undeterred, framing the court’s decision as ultimately clarifying presidential power over trade, and signalling that more moves are likely in the coming months.
