President Donald Trump wasted no time striking back at the Supreme Court. Hours after a landmark ruling gutted his tariff powers, he invoked a dusty clause from the 1974 Trade Act to jack up global import duties to 15 percent—the maximum allowed.
The Wall Street Journal reports this universal tariff applies to all imports, not just select adversaries, under Section 122, a provision never before tapped for such purposes. It grants the executive branch emergency tariff authority for 150 days, buying time until Congress weighs in.
On Truth Social, Trump vented frustration over the court’s rejection of his broader emergency powers claim. ‘This increase comes after a deep review of the Supreme Court’s absurd decision,’ he posted. He vowed forthcoming ‘new and legally valid tariffs’ to propel America’s resurgence.
The Supreme Court’s 6-3 verdict, penned by Chief Justice Roberts, clarified limits on presidential tariff imposition. It nullified duties that raked in $130 billion, sparking debates over refunds and leaving importers in limbo.
Trump pulled no punches: ‘I’m ashamed of some Supreme Court members for not having the guts to protect our nation.’ Shoutouts went to dissenting justices for their backbone.
Exemptions shield steel and autos under national security umbrellas, but the blanket 15 percent hits everything else. Foreign governments eyeing concessions may pivot strategies now that the legal landscape has shifted.
This escalation revives Trump’s trade war playbook, challenging global norms and testing constitutional boundaries. Economists warn of ripple effects on consumer prices and retaliatory measures from trade partners.
As Washington plots its next moves, the world watches a high-stakes chess match where tariffs serve as both sword and shield in the quest for economic dominance.