President Trump has revealed a lowered rate of global tariffs following a fierce criticism of the Supreme Court judges who determined that his key policy was unlawful.
Trump expressed he was “ashamed” of the court and referred to two judges he appointed as “fools”, “unpatriotic” and “an embarrassment to their families” for concluding he lacked the authority to apply the emergency law he used to enforce tariffs.
Claiming that the ruling would actually allow him to impose stricter measures on trade partners, not even Trump’s bravado could mask the setback to his economic plan. It has already compelled him to use a different legal argument in order to reinstate tariffs at a flat 10 percent.
Before Friday, this level was regarded as the most favorable deal available and was only granted to a select few countries, including Britain.
“I’m ashamed of certain members of the court – absolutely ashamed – for not having the courage to do what’s right for our country,” Trump told reporters at a press conference at the White House on Friday.
“Foreign countries that have been ripping us off for years are ecstatic, they’re so happy, and they’re dancing in the streets. But they won’t be dancing for long, that I can assure you.
“We’re going straight ahead with 10 percent straight across the board … and then during that period of about five months, we are doing the various investigations necessary to put fair tariffs, or tariffs period, on other countries.”
Trump speaks from the White House on Friday
Trump acted on his commitment on Friday evening by signing an executive order enforcing global 10 percent tariffs under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. These will be in addition to existing levies, will apply universally and will take effect “almost immediately”, he shared on Truth Social.
Commenting on the court’s decision, he added: “Their decision was ridiculous but now the adjustment process begins, and we will do everything possible to take in even more money than we were taking in before!”
The order can remain effective for up to 150 days due to addressing “large and serious United States balance-of-payments deficits,” according to the 1974 act. When asked about this time limit, Trump noted: “We have the right to do pretty much what we want to do.”
The White House announced that his order would come into effect on February 24; however, it might face legal challenges.
• David Charter: What the Supreme Court tariff ruling means
Stocks increased slightly on Friday as markets processed Trump’s initial reaction of lowering general tariffs.
The majority Supreme Court ruling saw six judges supporting it while three opposed it. This has led importers who have paid around $175 billion under these invalidated measures rushing towards refunds. When asked if businesses would receive refunds after paying those illegal import duties, Trump replied: “I guess it has to get litigated for the next three years.”
Trump ominously suggested that foreign interests influenced how Supreme Court made its decisions. When pressed further about this claim, he mentioned there were individuals with “undue influence” over justices but did not elaborate further.
He labeled those judges who ruled against him as a “disgrace to our nation” and mocked three liberal justices – Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson – calling them “Democrats” who were an “automatic no”.
Vice President JD Vance characterized this court’s ruling as simply “lawlessness from The Court.” He posted on ‘X’, adding: “its only effect will be making it harder for president protect American industries and supply chain resiliency.”
Three conservative justices voiced opposition but Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett-both appointed by Trump during his first term-backed up majority opinion which addressed concerns over whether or not The Court leaned toward Trump’s favor.
The court concluded that President wasn’t given authority imposing any tariffs using International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) from ’77 which had been invoked all “reciprocal” duties applied goods including British exports alongside extra charges imposed Canada Mexico addressing issues related drugs illegal migration
A different legislation unaffected by ruling is being utilized address national security sector duties involving aluminum steel vehicles parts
“We hold IEEPA does authorize president impose any tariffs,” stated Chief Justice John Roberts appointed former President George W Bush “Had Congress intended convey distinct extraordinary power impose tariff expressively they would done consistently every statute relating duty.”
“In IEEPA’s half-century existence no president invoked statute enforce any tariff let alone magnitude scope.. lack historical precedent coupled breadth authority claims suggest extend beyond legitimate reach.”
Trump relied two words separated sixteen others – regulate importation independent power place duties imports country product rate duration said courts Roberts concluded words cannot bear weight.”
Trump seized dissent written Brett Kavanaugh another first-term appointee indicating administration find ways restore presidential tariff agenda”
Kavanaugh called traditional common tool regulating importation added although firmly disagree court’s holding today decision might substantially constrain president ability order tariff proceeding numerous federal statutes authorize presidency impose apply justify most (if not all) taxes issue case.”
Trump claimed Kavanaugh’s stock has gone so up”
British government indicated expected privileged trading position US continue following ruling spokesman said
The UK enjoys lowest reciprocal globally expect privileged trading position US persist work administration understand ruling affect tariffs UK rest world
(Toymaker who beat Trump My business messed up by Tariffs)<P British Chambers Commerce said court decision little clear murky waters business. William Bain group head policy stated while judgment ease some taxes steel aluminum created separate laws.
Trump announces sweeping taxes last year. AFBRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
The president also options disposal retain current regime indeed wants could use Trade Act impose higher rates additional ten percent levies UK Australia already affected many sectors goods
While decision gives clarity executive powers raise taxes does little clear murky waters business”
Canadian Chamber Commerce cautioned viewing ruling reset US policy Canada prepare new blunter mechanisms used reassert pressure potentially broader disruptive effects Candace Laing chamber president
Trump called taxes favorite word dictionary unpopular Americans about six ten saying gone far according AP-Norc poll last month Americans paid eighty-six total cost November according Federal Reserve Bank New York
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