Washington erupted in controversy as President Donald Trump responded forcefully to a Supreme Court ruling curbing his tariff authority. In a packed press briefing, Trump called the decision embarrassing and outlined a stark alternative: completely cutting off trade with adversarial nations to devastate their economies.
The high court’s intervention struck down key elements of Trump’s tariff strategy, aimed at countering unfair trade practices from countries like China. Undeterred, Trump pivoted to other tools in his arsenal. ‘The Supreme Court rejected things wrongly, but we’ll use other options instead. We have very good options, and it might bring us even more revenue,’ he explained to reporters.
Highlighting the ruling’s flaws, Trump mocked its implications. ‘They say I can’t impose even one dollar of tariffs. This decision protects foreign nations over America – that’s not their job.’ He quickly shifted to his trump card: the power to terminate all commercial dealings with any country.
‘In other words, I can end trade with them completely. I can destroy their economy,’ Trump asserted. He challenged the court’s inconsistency, pointing out that licenses universally come with fees, yet this ruling bizarrely grants him sweeping powers to bar goods and sever ties.
This development raises alarms in international trade circles, where Trump’s rhetoric could reshape global supply chains. As he doubles down on economic nationalism, businesses and allies alike brace for potential disruptions, underscoring the high stakes of America’s trade battles.