WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced Saturday he will raise tariffs on all goods entering the United States from 10% to 15%, a day after the Supreme Court ruled against his administration’s previous use of emergency powers to impose such tariffs. The move, described by Trump as a response to a “ridiculous” and “extraordinarily anti-American” decision, signals a renewed commitment to protectionist trade policies despite legal setbacks.
The Supreme Court on Friday invalidated the original tariffs, which had been enacted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The ruling represented a significant defeat for Trump, particularly given the court’s conservative majority, and prompted a sharp rebuke from the president. During a press conference following the decision, Trump reportedly expressed anger towards the court and specifically criticized Justices Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett, both of his own appointees, according to reports.
While the Supreme Court invalidated the tariffs imposed under IEEPA, Trump’s administration is now invoking Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to justify the new 15% tariffs. This provision allows the president to impose tariffs of up to 15% for an initial period of 150 days. However, any extension of the tariffs beyond that timeframe will require congressional approval, a potential point of contention given the divided political landscape.
Trump reiterated his long-standing claim that the tariffs are aimed at countries that have been “stealing” from the United States for decades without facing consequences. He stated that he will use the next five months to “determine and announce new legally permissible tariffs” to ensure “America remains greater than ever before.”
The initial tariffs, and now the increased rates, have sparked concern among trading partners and domestic businesses alike. The CNN reported Friday that the Court’s decision was a “contundente derrota” (strong defeat) for the White House’s foreign and economic agenda. El País noted the Supreme Court, despite its conservative leanings, struck down the “recíprocos” tariffs imposed indiscriminately by Trump. The Associated Press reported that Trump vowed new tariffs despite the ruling.
The legality of the initial tariffs had been challenged, with critics arguing that Trump had overstepped his authority by unilaterally imposing broad tariffs without congressional authorization. The Supreme Court agreed, with Chief Justice John Roberts writing in the majority opinion that the president needs “clear authorization from Congress” to impose such sweeping trade restrictions. The court did not, however, address the fate of the more than $130 billion in tariffs already collected.
The administration’s decision to utilize Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 introduces a new dynamic to the trade dispute. While it allows Trump to temporarily impose the tariffs, the requirement for congressional approval for any extension could lead to negotiations and potential compromises with lawmakers. The outcome of those negotiations remains uncertain.
