US Supreme Court Limits Trump, But He Hits Back with Tariffs
News Desk
Washington: US President Donald Trump reacted angrily to Friday’s Supreme Court ruling that he lacked unilateral authority to impose tariffs on imports, criticizing individual justices and vowing to continue his global trade policies.
The court’s 6-3 decision overturned Trump’s legal justification for imposing broad tariffs, ruling that only Congress has the authority to levy taxes, duties, and excises.
Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in the opinion that the president cannot claim inherent powers to set tariffs during peacetime, rejecting arguments that a national emergency could justify his previous actions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
Despite the setback, Trump immediately signed an executive order repealing the tariffs struck down by the court and issued a proclamation imposing a 10% tariff on most imported goods for 150 days, with exemptions for key minerals, metals, and energy products.
The president cited Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows temporary tariffs to address “fundamental international payments problems,” though legal challenges are expected.
“I’m ashamed of certain members of the court, absolutely ashamed, for not having the courage to do what’s right for our country,” Trump told reporters, suggesting without evidence that justices had been influenced by foreign interests. He added that the ruling was “ridiculous” but said the administration has “numerous other ways” to enforce trade measures.
The ruling also raised questions about $175 billion already collected from US importers under the previous tariffs, which the court deemed based on an incorrect interpretation of the law. Trade deals negotiated under the threat of tariffs may now face uncertainty, analysts said.
Markets reacted cautiously, with US stock indexes surging briefly before closing modestly higher, as investors assessed the potential impact on global trade.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the ruling had mixed effects: “The Supreme Court has taken away the President’s leverage, but in a way, they have made the leverage he retains more draconian because he does have the right to a full embargo,” he said.
Analysts warned the new proclamation could bring renewed volatility. Varg Folkman, analyst at the European Policy Centre, said: “It will bring a new period of high uncertainty in world trade, as everyone tries to figure out what US tariff policy will be going forward.”
Since returning to office 13 months ago, Trump has maintained that he has extraordinary powers to impose tariffs of unlimited scope and duration, claiming the US faces an ongoing economic emergency. The Supreme Court ruling, however, has curtailed that authority, emphasizing the constitutional role of Congress in tax and trade policy.
