Trump Plans to Boost Global Tariffs to 15% Following Supreme Court Ruling
On Saturday, President Trump declared his intention to elevate global tariffs to 15%, a jump from the 10% he instituted just a day prior, following a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated a series of extensive tariffs.
In a post on social media, Trump expressed his frustration, stating, "This decision is ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily anti-American." He emphasized that his tariff increase was based on a comprehensive review of the court's decision.
“Let this statement serve as a clear message: I will be raising the 10% Worldwide Tariff on Countries that have been 'ripping' off the U.S. for decades to the legally permissible 15% level,” he wrote on Truth Social.
Following the Supreme Court's ruling, which he found infuriating, Trump signed a proclamation on Friday allowing him to bypass Congress and impose a 10% tax on most imports. This law permits the president to levy tariffs of up to 15% for 150 days, although it may face legal scrutiny.
Trump further stated that his administration would "determine and issue the new and legally permissible Tariffs," continuing what he described as the successful process of Making America Great Again.
Previously, many of Trump's tariffs were based on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which the Supreme Court ruled could not be used for tariff imposition. The recent tariffs were enacted under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, allowing duties of up to 15% for 150 days to address significant balance-of-payment issues, set to take effect on February 24.
It remains uncertain when Trump will sign an updated order regarding these tariffs. In addition to the temporary tariffs, he mentioned pursuing additional tariffs through other federal law sections that necessitate an investigation by the Commerce Department.
The Supreme Court's ruling did not affect tariffs imposed under legal authorities outside of IEEPA, including those on steel, aluminum, and auto imports.
After the ruling, Trump launched a personal attack against the justices who ruled against him, including Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett, both of whom he appointed. He remarked at a news conference, “I think it's an embarrassment to their families.”
Still agitated later that night, Trump took to social media to voice complaints about Gorsuch, Barrett, and Chief Justice John Roberts. On Saturday morning, he proclaimed Justice Brett Kavanaugh as his "new hero" for his dissenting opinion and praised Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, asserting that they are committed to "MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"
