Trump Lashes Out & Attacks Justices After Supreme Court Limits His Power to Impose Tariffs

The Conservative Supreme Court, in a 6-3 ruling, struck down President Trump's global tariffs, asserting that the President cannot unilaterally impose tariffs of unlimited scope without clear congressional authorization. This decision significantly limits executive power in trade policy.

Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for the majority, stating, 'The president asserts the extraordinary power to unilaterally impose tariffs of unlimited amount, duration, and scope... He must identify clear congressional authorization to exercise it.' Justices Gorsuch and Barrett, both Trump appointees, joined the majority.

Despite the Supreme Court's setback, President Trump immediately announced new 10% global tariffs, increasing them to 15% the next day. He utilized Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act, which allows for tariffs up to 15% for five months in cases of balance of payments problems, demonstrating his intent to continue using tariffs as a policy tool.

Trump responded to the ruling on Friday by announcing a new 10% global tariff. Then on Saturday, he increased it to 15%. Lori Wallak explained, 'what he used is a thing called section 22 which refers to part of the 1974 trade act. And section 122 basically says if you have a balance of payments problem you can put up to 15% tariffs in place Mr. President automatically no other showing for up to 5 months.'

The Supreme Court's ruling did not provide guidance on how to handle the estimated $150 billion in tariffs already collected under the now-invalidated authority. This creates a complex refund scenario where large companies might receive windfalls, while small businesses and consumers who bore the costs may struggle to get compensation.

Justice Kavanaugh, in a dissenting opinion, warned of 'short-term chaos' and the potential need to 'refund billions of dollars.' Lori Wallak elaborated, 'it doesn't speak to what to do about tariff refunds... the biggest companies, the Costcos, the Walmarts, they have monopoly power... if they get paid back, it's a windfall because their supplier probably paid most of it up front, plus a bunch of them passed on those expenses to consumers.'

President Trump personally attacked the Supreme Court justices, including his own appointees, for their decision. He called them 'disgraceful,' 'unpatriotic,' and 'disloyal to our constitution,' and expressed regret over their nominations, highlighting a challenge to the judiciary's independence.

Trump stated, 'I'm ashamed of certain members of the court... They also are a frankly disgrace to our nation.' When asked about Gorsuch and Barrett, he said, 'I think their decision was terrible... I think it's an embarrassment to their families.' Lori Wallak described this as an 'unhinged rant' that 'sounded just like a dictator talking about the loyalty of judges to the king.'