Defiance defined President Trump’s response to a stinging Supreme Court defeat. Citing an obscure 1974 law, he’s hoisted global tariffs to 15 percent across the board, overriding yesterday’s judicial curb on his trade agenda.
Details emerged via major outlets like the Wall Street Journal, pinpointing Section 122 as the vehicle—a first-time use allowing temporary 15 percent surcharges on all imports for 150 days. Trump initially pegged it at 10 percent before maxing it out.
Truth Social lit up with his rationale: a scathing critique of the court’s ‘anti-American’ stance, followed by the tariff decree against nations ‘looting’ the U.S. for decades. Future legally fortified measures are in the pipeline to keep ‘Making America Great Again’ on track.
The backstory? A 6-3 Supreme Court smackdown invalidated emergency powers for sweeping tariffs, with Roberts emphasizing no blank check for presidential duties. Over $130 billion in prior collections now hang in refund limbo, unnerving markets.
Trump’s post-decision blast called the ruling ‘deeply disappointing,’ shaming timid justices while lauding Thomas, Alito, and Kavanaugh. National security goods dodge the hike, preserving steel and auto protections.
This pivot signals unrelenting protectionism. Governments that bent to earlier pressures might harden positions, anticipating U.S. legal resets. Businesses grapple with uncertainty, from supply chain rejigs to price hikes.
In the broader trade wars theater, Trump’s gambit tests executive limits and global resilience. Will it rally domestic support or ignite retaliatory fires? The next months promise high drama in America’s economic fortress-building.