Trump Escalates Trade Clash, Raising Global Tariffs to 15% After Supreme Court Ruling
Washington D.C. – – President Donald Trump announced Saturday he is raising tariffs on all goods imported into the United States to 15%, escalating a trade dispute ignited by a Supreme Court decision striking down his previous attempt to impose sweeping tariffs. The move comes less than 24 hours after the court ruled against the administration’s use of emergency powers to enact the initial 10% global tariff, and represents a defiant response to the ruling.
The President unveiled the increase via a post on his social media platform, stating the decision was made after a “thorough, detailed, and complete review” of what he characterized as a “ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily anti-American decision” by the Supreme Court. He declared the 15% tariff would be “effective immediately.”
The Supreme Court, in a 6-3 decision on , invalidated tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), finding the law did not authorize the President to levy such broad taxes. The case originated from a lawsuit brought by a coalition of small businesses and states with Democratic attorneys general, who argued Trump had overstepped his authority in using IEEPA to impose tariffs.
Following the ruling, Trump initially circumvented Congress by signing an executive order Friday implementing a 10% tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. This law allows the President to impose tariffs of up to 15% for up to 150 days to address trade deficits, but has never been used in this manner before. He then quickly raised that rate to the maximum allowed under the statute.
“Please let this statement serve to represent that I, as President of the United States of America, will be, effective immediately, raising the 10% Worldwide Tariff on Countries, many of which have been ‘ripping’ the U.S. Off for decades, without retribution (until I came along!), to the fully allowed, and legally tested, 15% level,” Trump wrote.
The President’s reaction to the Supreme Court’s decision has been sharply critical. At a press conference Friday, he expressed “shame” over some of the justices, accusing them of lacking “the courage to do what’s right for our country.” He labeled the ruling “terrible” and “an embarrassment to their families.” Notably, two justices appointed by Trump – Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett – joined the majority in striking down the initial tariffs.
The new tariffs, imposed under Section 122, are scheduled to take effect on . However, the legality of this approach remains uncertain, and the administration’s move is likely to face further legal challenges. The 1974 law requires Congressional approval to extend the tariffs beyond 150 days.
The escalation in trade tensions comes as the administration seeks to reshape U.S. Trade policy. The initial tariffs, announced last year, were framed as a means of protecting American industries, and jobs. The latest move signals a continued commitment to that agenda, despite the legal setbacks.
While the immediate impact of the 15% tariff remains to be seen, it is expected to affect a wide range of imported goods, potentially leading to higher prices for consumers and businesses. The move also introduces further uncertainty into the global trade landscape, and could prompt retaliatory measures from other countries.
The Supreme Court’s decision marks the first time during Trump’s second term that the conservative-dominated court has ruled against his use of presidential power. The ruling underscores the limits of executive authority in the realm of trade policy, and sets the stage for a continued legal and political battle over the future of U.S. Tariffs.
