US Trade Chief Insists Tariff Policy Unchanged Despite Supreme Court Ruling
Top US trade negotiator Jamieson Greer has firmly stated that American tariff policy "hasn't changed" despite a landmark Supreme Court ruling that declared many of Donald Trump's tariffs illegal. Speaking on Sunday political shows, Greer emphasized continuity in trade strategy while addressing the legal implications of Friday's judicial decision.
Legal Rebuke Meets Policy Continuity
The Supreme Court's 6-3 ruling on Friday delivered a significant blow to the Trump administration's trade agenda, declaring that a 1977 emergency powers law did not provide legal justification for most of the president's tariffs. The decision specifically addressed the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which Trump had invoked to impose tariffs without congressional approval.
"The policy hasn't changed. The legal tools that implement that may change but the policy hasn't changed," Greer told ABC News' This Week program. He argued that maintaining consistent policy direction provides American businesses with "a lot of leverage" in international trade negotiations.
International Deals Remain Intact
In a separate interview with CBS, Greer confirmed that the United States will not withdraw from tariff agreements already established with approximately twenty countries, including the United Kingdom, European Union, Japan, and Switzerland. These bilateral deals, negotiated over the past nine months, will remain in effect despite the Supreme Court's ruling on their legality.
"We want them to understand these deals are going to be good deals," Greer stated. "We're going to stand by them. We expect our partners to stand by them."
New Tariff Announcement Follows Court Decision
President Trump responded to the Supreme Court ruling by announcing a new global tariff structure under different legal authority. On Saturday, he imposed a 15% tariff on all foreign imports using Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act, a temporary measure that will expire within five months without congressional approval.
Greer indicated the administration would not automatically seek congressional authorization for these new tariffs, despite the Supreme Court's clear statement that tariff authority during peacetime constitutionally belongs to Congress.
Political Reactions and Economic Implications
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, hailed the Supreme Court decision as "a win for American consumers" and an example of Trump's "overreach failed." He called on the president to "end this reckless trade war for good and finally give families and small businesses the relief they deserve."
California Governor Gavin Newsom offered particularly harsh criticism on CNN, describing Trump's tariff policy as "a farce" and "madness." He characterized the president's economic approach as "a wrecking-ball presidency" that has resulted in disappointing economic indicators.
Refund Questions and Administrative Response
Regarding potential refunds for tariffs already paid under the now-illegal framework, Greer stated the administration would leave this matter to the Court of International Trade. He noted that the Supreme Court had "created a situation where they struck down the tariffs and gave zero guidance on this."
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed the administration's determination on CNN's State of the Union, stating: "The president and the administration remain undeterred on re-shoring American factories and getting rid of massive trade imbalances. That's the big story here."
The administration maintains that revenue projections for the US Treasury through 2026 remain unchanged despite the legal setback and policy adjustments.
