President Donald Trump on Friday lambasted the Supreme Court’s decision striking down parts of his global tariff program, suggesting — without evidence — that the ruling may have been influenced by “foreign interests” and a small but potent political movement.
Speaking to reporters after the decision, Trump said, “It’s my opinion that the court has been swayed by foreign interests and a political movement that is far smaller than people would think.”
When asked to clarify what he meant by “foreign interests,” Trump suggested that individuals with influence over the Court could be linked to foreign actors, but he did not provide specific details.
Pressed further, Trump told reporters, “You’re gonna find out, you’re gonna find out.” (RELATED: Supreme Court Clears Path For Congressman To Challenge Mail-In Voting)
The comments followed a Supreme Court ruling earlier in the day that invalidated broad portions of Trump’s tariff policy, finding that his use of emergency authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) exceeded presidential authority. (RELATED: SCOTUS Slowed Tariffs Down, It Did Not Take Them Away)
In response, Trump announced that he had signed an executive order imposing a 10% tariff on all countries.
Instead of relying on the IEEPA (which the Supreme Court ruled doesn’t authorize broad tariffs), Trump’s 10% tariff is being justified under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, a lesser-known provision that allows the president to impose temporary tariffs (up to 15%) for up to 150 days to address serious balance-of-payments issues.
Officials say this statute gives Trump authority to act without waiting for new congressional approval, though the tariffs are limited in duration.
Trump also praised Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Brett Kavanaugh, who supported the legal justification for his tariff regime.
The White House has not released additional documentation supporting the president’s claims against the high court.
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Gee, ya think?
Just move all Tariffs over to other laws on the books.