The president does not accept the judicial setback
The news came this morning and Donald Trump wasted no time. Hours after the Supreme Court declared many of his trade tariffs unconstitutional, the president took the stage. And he did it with anger on the surface.
“It’s a shame,” he said of the judges who voted against, even accusing them of being influenced by “foreign interests.”
The atmosphere in the White House was electric. The press expected a reaction, but few anticipated this level of direct confrontation with the country’s highest court.
The strategy to skip the failure
Trump did not stop at insults alone. He announced concrete measures to overcome the effects of the ruling. The move: immediately activate Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974.
This maneuver would allow it to impose a global tax of 10%. In addition, it would keep other tariffs in force under the argument of national security and study new sectors under Section 301.
According to the White House, all of this seeks to “protect the American economy” against what they consider unfair trade practices. But the real message is clear: Trump is not going to give in.
What the Supreme Court really decided
The ruling was overwhelming: 6 votes to 3. The justices questioned the authority of the Executive to unilaterally apply these levies under the emergency powers law of 1977.
The most delicate thing: he left in the air what will happen to the 150,000 million dollars collected by tariffs during the last year. The ruling does not specify how to handle those funds, which will likely generate more litigation.
Trump took the opportunity to praise the three justices who were on his side, especially Brett Kavanaugh, whom he called a “genius” and a “great appointment.” But his criticism of the dissidents was so personal that it even reached their families.
The pattern repeats
Despite the judicial setback, Trump maintained his usual narrative: economic success and international strength. He insisted that his plan will allow the US to “stay financially protected.”
But here’s the worrying thing: he repeatedly questioned the independence of the Supreme Court and described the ruling as “deeply disappointing.” This is not the first time he has attacked institutions when decisions do not favor him.
What comes next is an even more complex legal battle. Trump will try to apply his new measures while the courts decide if they are constitutional. It’s a cycle we’ve seen before, but this time with direct economic consequences for millions.
