WATCH: Trump Response to Supreme Court Ruling

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Trump Blasts Supreme Court “Disgrace” After Major Defeat on Global Tariffs

President Trump labels the ruling a disgrace and promises a backup plan after the Court strikes down his tariffs.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a rare and stinging rebuke to his executive authority, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 on Friday that President Donald Trump exceeded his legal bounds by imposing sweeping global tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The decision, which upends the cornerstone of the administration’s “America First” economic agenda, prompted an immediate and fiery response from the President, who labeled the judiciary’s move a “disgrace.”

The ruling, authored by Chief Justice John Roberts, clarifies that the power to tax and regulate commerce belongs fundamentally to Congress under Article I of the Constitution. “The Framers did not vest any part of the taxing power in the Executive Branch,” Roberts wrote for the majority. While the President’s three appointees—Justices Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, and Barrett—were split, with Kavanaugh joining Alito and Thomas in dissent, the Court ultimately held that the 1977 law intended for national emergencies could not be used as a “blank check” for permanent trade policy.

The President’s Reaction

President Trump reportedly learned of the decision while in a private meeting with several governors. According to sources familiar with the exchange, the President grew visibly frustrated after being handed a note detailing the loss.

“This is a disgrace to our country,” Trump later told reporters during a hastily arranged press conference. “I’ve been waiting forever for this decision, and the language is clear that I have the right to do it as President. We have a backup plan, a ‘Game Two’ plan, and we will not let our workers be cheated by foreign countries just because of a few judges who don’t understand the real world.”

The President’s “backup plan” likely involves pivoting to alternative legal justifications, such as Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act (national security) or Section 301 of the Trade Act (unfair trade practices). However, legal experts warn that these avenues may also face intense litigation following the precedent set today.

Economic and Political Fallout

The ruling has immediate fiscal implications. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB) estimates that the loss of tariff revenue could increase projected federal deficits by approximately $2 trillion over the next decade. Meanwhile, Democratic leaders and several Republican “free trade” advocates celebrated the decision as a victory for the separation of powers.

“The Supreme Court today confirmed that the President is not a king,” said Representative Gregory Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

As the 2026 midterm elections approach, the ruling places the administration in a precarious position. Trump had framed these tariffs as essential for domestic manufacturing, while critics pointed to an AP-NORC poll showing that 76% of Americans feared the policies were driving up the cost of consumer goods.

Sources

• AP News: Trump’s made tariffs central to his presidency. Chaos may come next.
• SCOTUSblog: Supreme Court strikes down tariffs.
• The Guardian: Donald Trump to speak after major loss to US supreme court over global tariffs.
• Livemint: Trump’s first reaction to US Supreme Court’s tariff ruling – ‘I have backup plan’.Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget: CRFB Reacts to Supreme Court Tariff Ruling.