Trump Vows New 10% Global Tariffs, Dismisses Supreme Court Ruling

Washington: Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reacted sharply to the Supreme Court’s decision invalidating his global tariffs, calling the ruling “deeply disappointing” and asserting that the tariffs were in the national interest.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said the Court “did not understand” his agenda to make America great again and accused some justices of being influenced by foreign interests. Despite the setback, Trump announced that he has alternative legal avenues to reinstate tariffs. He declared plans to impose a new 10% global tariff, stating that those celebrating the Court’s decision “will not be happy for long.”

New Executive Action Under 1974 Trade Act

Trump clarified that the Supreme Court ruling did not cancel the previously imposed tariffs but only curtailed the specific use of the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). He plans to immediately sign an executive order under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act to reimpose the 10% global tariff. He emphasized that the original tariffs will remain in effect.

Regarding whether the U.S. would refund the billions collected under the invalidated tariffs, Trump stated that the matter “has not been discussed” and suggested that litigation could continue for several years, potentially up to five.

Trump Criticizes Court, Praises Supportive Justices

Trump singled out Justices Thomas, Alito, and Kavanaugh for supporting tariffs, while criticizing the justices appointed during Democratic administrations who ruled against him. He also noted that further congressional action is unnecessary, as presidential authority under Sections 232 and 301 already provides the legal framework to impose tariffs.

The Supreme Court, in a 6-3 ruling last Friday, struck down the global tariffs imposed by Trump last year, citing misuse of emergency powers. The Court emphasized that the authority to levy tariffs rests with Congress, not the President, reinforcing constitutional limits on executive trade powers.