President Donald Trump expressed strong disapproval of the Supreme Court's recent decision to invalidate a significant portion of his global tariff policy. In a 6-3 ruling, the high court determined that the President overstepped his authority by broadly applying tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977. President Trump's emergency press conference on Friday was a direct response to this legal rebuff.
"The Supreme Court's ruling on tariffs is deeply disappointing and I'm ashamed of certain members of the Court," President Trump said.
"The Supreme Court's ruling on tariffs is deeply disappointing, and I'm ashamed of certain members of the Court," President Trump stated, highlighting his belief that the Court lacked the fortitude to protect national interests. He insinuated that the justices were influenced by external forces, undermining the integrity of their decision.
The ruling was notable for the alignment of justices, with three conservative members, including two Trump appointees, Justices Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett, siding with the liberal justices. Chief Justice John Roberts penned the majority opinion, stating that the power to impose tariffs would have been explicitly granted by Congress if intended. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, joined by Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas, dissented, upholding the President's use of the IEEPA for tariff imposition.
Despite the judicial setback, President Trump announced his intention to sign an executive order imposing a new 10% tariff on global imports, which he believes is within the legal boundaries not addressed by the Court's decision. He emphasized his administration's readiness with alternative measures, aiming to reinforce the United States' economic posture.
The financial implications of this legal confrontation are substantial, with an estimated $175 billion in tariff revenues at stake. The markets responded positively to the ruling, with Wall Street showing gains. This clash between the executive branch and the judiciary is unusual, given that the Court's composition was significantly influenced by President Trump's appointments during his first term.
President Trump had been vocal in advocating for the Court to support his tariff policies, even considering attending oral arguments personally. Although the ruling dismantles the present tariff structure, the Court noted that the President could seek congressional authorization or use other statutory authorities. With Republicans controlling both chambers of Congress, there is a pathway for the President, though it may require bipartisan cooperation in the Senate.
This event underscores the ongoing debate over the balance of power between the executive branch and judicial oversight, potentially setting the stage for a significant legal and political showdown over trade policy during President Trump's second term.
In a related development, President Trump announced on Twitter his immediate action to sign an executive order imposing an additional 10% tariff on the grounds of national security, as per Section 122 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. He also confirmed that all tariffs under Section 301 would remain in effect.
