Trump's Fiery Response to Supreme Court Tariffs Decision
In a dramatic escalation of trade tensions, former President Donald Trump has declared he can still inflict "absolutely 'terrible' things" on foreign nations, despite a recent Supreme Court ruling against his signature tariffs. The court's decision, which found Trump's unilateral imposition of tariffs unconstitutional, has triggered a volatile reaction from the former president, plunging international trade relations into deeper uncertainty.
'Far More Powers and Strength' Claimed by Trump
Trump asserted on his Truth Social platform that the Supreme Court had inadvertently granted him "far more powers and strength" to levy new tariffs than he possessed before the ruling. He specifically targeted countries he accused of "RIPPING US OFF for many decades," questioning why the United States cannot charge license fees when "ALL LICENSES CHARGE FEES." This rhetoric underscores the capricious trade policy that has defined his political career.
Historic Supreme Court Ruling Overturns Tariffs
The Supreme Court's landmark judgment, delivered by six of the nine justices, declared Trump's use of executive orders to impose tariffs under the Economic Emergency Act unconstitutional. This decision directly challenged the tariffs announced on so-called liberation day, a cornerstone of his administration's trade agenda. Trump responded by branding the six justices a "disgrace to our nation" during a hastily arranged press conference.
Escalating Tariff Threats and Global Fallout
In the wake of the ruling, Trump unveiled plans to impose a 10 percent tariff on all US imports, raising it to 15 percent the following day. This whipsawing approach has disrupted global trade talks, with the European Union and India suspending negotiations until Washington clarifies its stance. Zeljana Zovko, lead trade negotiator for the European People's Party, stated that Europe has "no other option" but to delay ratifying its trade deal with the US.
International Concerns and Diplomatic Responses
A spokesman for the UK Prime Minister confirmed that the business secretary expressed "concern" to his US counterpart, urging the White House to honor the UK-US trade deal finalized last year. While assuring that the ruling is not expected to impact most trade, including agreements on steel, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles, the spokesman acknowledged the prevailing uncertainty. Keir Starmer's representative warned that "nothing is off the table" in ongoing negotiations, emphasizing a desire to avoid escalation.
The situation highlights the ongoing volatility in US trade policy under Trump's influence, with potential repercussions for global economic stability and diplomatic relations. As international partners await clarity, the threat of further "terrible" actions looms large, signaling a turbulent period ahead for trade governance.
