President Donald Trump signed an order Friday imposing a 10 percent global tariff on all imports, hours after the Supreme Court ruled his previous attempt to levy sweeping tariffs using emergency powers was illegal. The move injects further uncertainty into international trade relations and sets the stage for a protracted legal battle over billions of dollars in previously collected tariffs.
The Supreme Court, in a 6-3 decision, found that Trump had exceeded his authority when utilizing the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose the tariffs. Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, stated that the President must demonstrate “clear congressional authorization” for such broad economic powers. “IEEPA’s grant of authority to ‘regulate … importation’ falls short,” Roberts wrote. “IEEPA contains no reference to tariffs or duties.”
In response, Trump announced the recent tariffs via his social media platform, claiming authority under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. “In order to protect our Country, a President can actually charge more TARIFFS than I was charging in the past under the various other TARIFF authorities, which have as well been confirmed, and fully allowed,” Trump posted. However, Section 122 imposes limitations, allowing tariffs of up to 15 percent for a maximum of 150 days, after which congressional approval is required for an extension.
The ruling and subsequent tariff announcement have prompted immediate reactions from international partners. South Korean government ministers are scheduled to meet Saturday afternoon to assess the impact of the new tariffs, following earlier disruptions caused by Trump’s January announcement of increased levies on goods from the country. The European Union has announced an emergency meeting of lawmakers on Monday to re-evaluate their trade agreement with the U.S. The United Kingdom indicated it would seek clarification on how the ruling affects existing tariffs, while Canada reaffirmed its position that the original IEEPA tariffs were “unjustified.”
The legal fallout from the Supreme Court’s decision extends beyond the imposition of new tariffs. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, in a dissenting opinion, highlighted the potential for significant financial repercussions, noting that refunds of the approximately $175 billion in tariffs collected under IEEPA would have “significant consequences for the U.S. Treasury.” Data from the Cato Institute, citing U.S. Customs and Border Protection figures, shows that over 60 percent of total tariff revenue last year stemmed from duties imposed under IEEPA, and half of all tariff code modifications in 2025 were enacted under that authority.
The White House is also grappling with escalating tensions in the Middle East. Trump confirmed Friday he is considering a limited military strike against Iran, aiming to pressure Tehran into a nuclear deal. Sources reported to the Wall Street Journal that an initial attack could target military or government sites, potentially authorized as early as this weekend. Further escalation, should Iran continue its nuclear enrichment program, could involve a broader campaign to topple the Iranian regime, with the U.S. Military reportedly finalizing options for targeting individuals, according to Reuters. Iran has vowed retaliation for any attack, stating it would consider adversary bases and assets in the Middle East as “legitimate targets.” Despite the heightened rhetoric, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated Friday that a draft counterproposal for a nuclear deal is expected within days, potentially leading to another round of U.S.-Iran talks within a week.
In France, concerns over potential political violence are rising ahead of a planned rally in Lyon this weekend to commemorate Quentin Deranque, a far-right activist who was killed last week. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed the deployment of police reinforcements, but declined to ban the demonstration despite a request from Lyon’s mayor. Two individuals have been charged with intentional homicide in connection with Deranque’s death, and a third with complicity. The incident has drawn international attention, with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemning “left-wing extremism,” prompting a rebuke from French President Emmanuel Macron.
Separately, British police searched the home of Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on Friday, following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct while holding public office related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. He was released after nearly 11 hours in custody and is currently residing at Sandringham Estate. The investigation centers on allegations that Mountbatten-Windsor shared confidential trade information with Epstein.
