US Supreme Court rules against Trump’s sweeping tariffs ahead of China visit
Decision threatens administration’s trade agenda; casts shadow on Xi-Trump summit as some China tariffs wiped out before Beijing talks
By invalidating tariffs imposed under emergency presidential powers, the decision removes a powerful tool the White House had used to pressure Beijing, potentially weakening Washington’s bargaining position. It also complicates Washington’s trade negotiations worldwide, even as some countries have already signed deals with the US.
Trump on Friday slammed the ruling as “deeply disappointing”, saying he was “ashamed of certain members of the court” and that some justices were “disloyal and unpatriotic”.
“They also are a, frankly, disgrace to our nation, those justices,” he said in a press briefing. He added that in his opinion, the court “has been swayed by foreign interests and a political movement”.
The administration pivoted quickly on Friday, with Trump announcing new 10 per cent global tariffs “effective immediately” under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. That law grants the president limited, temporary authority to impose import restrictions to deal with balance-of-payments emergencies.
01:15
Canada, Brazil hardest hit as Trump unleashes new global tariff blitz