In a fiery Monday declaration, U.S. President Donald Trump alerted international buyers: prepare for punishing tariffs without congressional hurdles. He lambasted nations that ‘pillaged America over decades,’ promising duties far exceeding prior pacts.
The announcement follows a Supreme Court smackdown of his administration’s tariffs, sparking turmoil that derailed India’s trade envoy visit to the capital. Uncertainty over tariff legitimacy has stalled progress on key deals.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump scoffed at the ‘absurdly drafted’ ruling: ‘As President, I don’t return to Congress for tariffs. Authorizations exist already, now affirmed.’ He doubled down, threatening any country ‘playing games’ with even harsher measures.
White House silence on the matter belies active backchannel efforts, per a top aide. India’s postponement hits at a critical juncture; the delegation sought an interim accord to cut levies on its exports while opening markets wider to U.S. products.
Officials from both nations consulted before pulling the plug, sources say, with dates on hold amid the judicial fog. This episode highlights the fragility of U.S.-India trade ties amid Trump’s hawkish outlook.
As global markets brace, Trump’s words echo his protectionist playbook, potentially igniting fresh trade skirmishes. Economists warn of inflation risks, yet the President frames it as reclaiming American prosperity lost to unfair deals.