Former President Donald Trump has launched a fierce attack on his critics and issued a stark warning to the US Supreme Court, accusing those who oppose his tariff policies of disloyalty to the United States.
A Pre-Dawn Social Media Outburst
The controversy erupted in the early hours of Monday 24 November 2025, when Trump took to his Truth Social platform to defend his use of tariffs. He boasted that the "full benefit" of the import taxes he has imposed on nearly all of America's trading partners has not yet been fully realised. According to his post, many importers chose to stockpile inventory in the spring to avoid passing costs on to consumers, but he claimed this strategy is now "wearing thin."
Trump asserted that once this stockpiled inventory is depleted, the amounts payable to the USA will "SKYROCKET," leading to what he described as "RECORD SETTING" tax receipts. He argued this would put the nation on a "new and unprecedented course" if the policies are allowed to stand.
The Constitutional Clash Over Emergency Powers
This social media rant comes as the Supreme Court deliberates a critical case concerning the legality of Trump's actions. The central issue is whether the former president had the legal authority to invoke the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose these import taxes. Historically, the power to levy tariffs rests with Congress, not the executive branch.
While the Carter-era law permits a president to regulate trade during a declared national emergency under "unusual and extraordinary" circumstances, the legislation does not explicitly mention tariffs. During recent hearings, even the court's conservative justices, including Trump's own appointees, appeared sceptical.
Chief Justice John Roberts, a known proponent of executive authority, expressed concern that tariffs are essentially "taxes on Americans," a power that has always been a core function of Congress. Similarly, Justice Neil Gorsuch warned that accepting the administration's argument could lead to a "one-way ratchet" towards the continuous accumulation of power in the executive branch, away from elected representatives.
Allegations of Foreign Influence and a Call to Action
In his post, Trump did not hold back in attacking his opponents, framing the legal challenge as an act against American interests. He claimed that those opposing his tariff policies are "serving hostile foreign interests" that do not care about the success and safety of the United States.
Concluding his message, Trump stated he "look[s] so much forward" to the Supreme Court's ruling on this "urgent and time sensitive matter," which he has previously characterised as "LIFE OR DEATH" for the country. The court is expected to issue its decision at any time, a ruling that will have profound implications for the separation of powers and US trade policy.
