US President Donald Trump has imposed a new 10% tariff on imports from all countries, in response to a Supreme Court ruling that blocked his emergency tariffs.
In one of the most significant legal blows to the administration’s economic agenda, the US Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision on Friday invalidated the President’s use of emergency powers to levy sweeping trade taxes.
Attacking the Court
Hours after the US Supreme Court ruling, Trump lashed out at the justices who ruled against him and vowed to seek alternatives to pursue tariffs.
“The Supreme Court’s ruling on tariffs is deeply disappointing, and I’m ashamed of certain members of the court, absolutely ashamed for not having the courage to do what’s right for the country,” Trump told reporters at the White House.
“It’s my opinion that the court has been swayed by foreign interests and a political movement that is far smaller than people would ever think,” he added.
The US President pledged to seek other legal means to impose new tariffs. “Other alternatives will now be used to replace the ones that the court incorrectly rejected,” Trump said.
Landmark Ruling
On Friday, the US Supreme Court ruled that Trump’s unilaterally-imposed global tariffs violated federal law, agreeing 6-3 that the duties exceeded the President’s authority, according to CNN.
“The president asserts the extraordinary power to unilaterally impose tariffs of unlimited amount, duration, and scope. In light of the breadth, history, and constitutional context of that asserted authority, he must identify clear congressional authorization to exercise it,” Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for the Court.
Furthermore, the Court noted that the emergency authority Trump attempted to rely on “falls short.” “We hold that IEEPA (the International Emergency Economic Powers Act) does not authorize the president to impose tariffs,” Roberts added.
However, the Court did not outline what should happen with the more than $130 billion the administration has already collected through Trump’s tariffs.
Under the US Constitution, the Congress, not the President, has the authority to impose taxes and tariffs.
New Tariffs
Dismissing the Supreme Court’s decision as “ridiculous,” Trump swiftly announced a new 10% global tariff, which applies on top of all existing duties.
“It is my Great Honor to have just signed, from the Oval Office, a Global 10% Tariff on all Countries, which will be effective almost immediately,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
Using Section 122 of the Trade Act, he bypassed the court’s restrictions with a temporary surcharge that can last up to 150 days – a move that would likely trigger fresh legal battles.
The White House said that the new proclamation grants exemptions for certain items including critical minerals, metals and energy products.
“It’s a little more complicated, the process takes a little more time. But the end result is going to get us more money,” Trump said.
Trump defended the tariffs as vital to national security, warning that the US faces financial ruin and a lack of defense without these protections.
“Foreign countries that have been ripping us off for years are ecstatic. They’re so happy, and they’re dancing in the streets, but they won’t be dancing for long that, I can assure you,” the US President said after the ruling.
Economic Uncertainty
Trump sparked a trade war in 2025 by announcing stiff tariffs on all imports to the US, with duty rates reaching 50% for key allies like Brazil and India, and a maximum of 145% for Chinese imports. However, he gave countries a chance to strike deals with Washington.
Trump has consistently touted his tariff policy as a catalyst for domestic investment and a tool for boosting American competitiveness. However, after the new ruling, Trump will not be able to utilize the threat of hefty tariffs as leverage to push his foreign policy agenda.
Furthermore, the ruling has triggered immediate market volatility and a potential fiscal crisis, as the US government now faces legal demands to refund billions of dollars in duties collected under the invalidated policy.
