Trump Blasts His Own Supreme Court Selections Over Tariff Decision: "A Disgrace to Their Families"

Washington — Following the Supreme Court's decision to invalidate President Trump's extensive global tariffs, the president unleashed criticism on the six justices involved, notably targeting two conservative judges he himself appointed.

In a candid moment with reporters, Trump expressed his discontent, stating he feels "ashamed of certain members of the court." While he labeled the three liberal justices as an "automatic no," his frustration was particularly directed at the conservative trio who determined that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not grant the president unilateral authority to impose tariffs.

"You can't knock their loyalty," Trump remarked about the liberal justices, contrasting them with his own appointees. The conservative justices who sided against the administration's tariff approach include Chief Justice John Roberts, appointed by George W. Bush, along with Trump's own nominees, Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett.

When pressed on whether he regrets nominating Gorsuch and Barrett, Trump refrained from a direct answer but described the situation as "an embarrassment to their families."

He further alleged—without substantiation—that foreign interests had influenced the court's decision, labeling the majority justices as "fools and lap dogs for the RINOs and the radical left Democrats," with RINOs referring to "Republicans in name only."

In contrast, Trump praised Justice Brett Kavanaugh, his third nominee, who authored the dissenting opinion asserting that the president's powers under IEEPA do include tariffs. Kavanaugh also suggested alternative legal frameworks that could justify such levies, which Trump indicated he might pursue. "He's a genius," Trump said of Kavanaugh, noting that his reputation is on the rise.

This ruling sets a peculiar stage for Trump's upcoming State of the Union address on Tuesday, where attendance from Supreme Court justices is customary. Trump confirmed that while all justices are invited, those who ruled against him are "barely invited," whereas the dissenters are "happily invited."

"I couldn't care less if they come," he added bluntly.

A spokesperson for the Supreme Court did not respond immediately to requests for comment.

Historically, presidents have voiced their discontent with Supreme Court rulings, though Trump's remarks were notably more personal and pointed. After the court's June 2023 decision against Biden's student loan forgiveness plan, Biden described it as "a mistake" and claimed the majority had "misinterpreted the Constitution."

In July 2024, after a ruling affirming presidential immunity from federal prosecution for actions taken in office, Biden criticized it as a "terrible disservice" to Americans and part of an ongoing assault on established principles.

During his 2010 State of the Union address, then-President Obama condemned the Supreme Court's ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, warning it would allow unlimited spending by special interests in elections. Justice Samuel Alito was visibly displeased during Obama's comments, shaking his head and mouthing "not true." He has not attended a State of the Union since.

Trump has previously expressed dissatisfaction with the Supreme Court's decisions against him. After the court dismissed a Texas lawsuit aimed at halting certification of his 2020 election loss, he lamented that the court "really let us down. No Wisdom, No Courage!"

In a 2023 speech while out of office, Trump referred to his nominees as "outstanding people" and "great scholars" who have "done a great job"—except for himself, he joked. "They don't help me much," he quipped. "They vote against me too much, but one of those little things in life, right?"

Trump's three Supreme Court appointments have shifted the court significantly to the right. Since Barrett's confirmation in 2020, which solidified a 6-3 conservative majority, the court has overturned Roe v. Wade, dismantled affirmative action in higher education, and limited federal regulatory power.

The conservative majority also expanded gun rights in 2022 by affirming that the Second Amendment protects public carry of firearms.

Leonard Leo, a former Federalist Society leader who played a crucial role in shaping Trump's judicial appointments during his first term, has since experienced a rift with Trump. Following an appellate court's ruling against his tariffs last year, Trump publicly denounced Leo as a "sleazebag" and a "bad person" who "probably hates America."