Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump's Tariff Strategy, Igniting Political Firestorm

The Supreme Court's recent decision has sent shockwaves through the Trump administration, as President Donald Trump expressed his frustration over the invalidation of tariffs he imposed under an economic emergency law. During a press conference at the White House, Trump vowed to explore alternative methods to impose import duties on foreign goods, asserting that he still has the authority to act.

“The good news is that there are methods, practices, statutes and authorities... available to me as president of the United States,” Trump declared, despite the court's 6-3 ruling that struck down his claims under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977. He announced plans to implement a temporary 10% global tariff on all imports using “Section 122” powers, which will expire unless Congress acts within 150 days.

While he criticized the court's decision, Trump acknowledged that leveraging tariffs as tools for economic and national security would become “more complicated.” His team, caught off guard by the ruling, appeared to be in disarray as they scrambled to devise a response.

“At this point, no one should be surprised that the courts are working against President Trump,” remarked an anonymous adviser, reflecting the frustration within the administration. “To say everyone here is irate would be an understatement. But this is not over.”

Trump specifically targeted two justices he appointed—Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch—who sided with Chief Justice John Roberts and three Democratic appointees in blocking his tariffs. He accused the court of being influenced by foreign interests but provided no evidence to support his claims.

In a separate incident, Trump learned of the ruling while addressing a bipartisan group of governors. An aide handed him a note detailing the decision, prompting him to label it “a disgrace” before exiting to manage the White House's response.

Meanwhile, two House Republicans in Texas are facing significant primary challenges next month. In Texas’ 2nd District, Rep. Dan Crenshaw is running for re-election without Trump's endorsement, a notable absence given the president's influence in Republican primaries. State Rep. Steve Toth is challenging Crenshaw, arguing that his positions on foreign policy and immigration do not align with the party's MAGA faction.

Crenshaw has responded aggressively, outspending Toth on advertising and emphasizing his alignment with Trump. However, his support for Ukraine and distancing from Trump's false claims about the 2020 election have drawn criticism from some conservative circles.

In Texas’ 23rd District, Rep. Tony Gonzales faces scrutiny following an investigation into an alleged affair with a former staffer who died by suicide. The Office of Congressional Conduct concluded its investigation but cannot release its findings within 60 days of an election involving Gonzales. He previously denied the affair but has since refrained from addressing it directly.

Gonzales has framed the allegations as politically motivated amid calls for his resignation from primary opponent Brandon Herrera, who claims Gonzales violated ethics rules. Herrera narrowly lost to Gonzales in a previous election and continues to challenge him.

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