In a late-night social media outburst, former President Donald Trump has launched a fresh attack on the US Supreme Court, asserting his "absolute right" to impose new tariffs. This comes after the court ruled that many of the import duties he implemented last year were illegal.
Trump's Fiery Truth Social Post
On Sunday, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to accuse the Supreme Court of having "unnecessarily RANSACKED" the United States. He criticised the judiciary for failing to show him sufficient loyalty, in a broadside that underscores ongoing tensions between the former president and the legal system.
Trump wrote: "Our Supreme Court has made these Countries very happy but, as the Court pointed out, I have the absolute right to charge TARIFFS in another form, and have already started to do so."
Background of the Supreme Court Ruling
In February, the Supreme Court found that the Trump administration did not provide adequate legal justification for using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs on numerous countries. The IEEPA, a 1977 law, is designed to address national emergencies, and the court deemed its application in this context unlawful.
This ruling has forced the administration to scramble in recent weeks to reassemble its controversial trade agenda and regain economic leverage on the global stage.
Trump's Response and New Tariff Measures
In response to the court's decision, Trump swiftly imposed 10% tariffs on goods from much of the world under a different legal framework: section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act. However, these tariffs are temporary and set to expire after 150 days, in July.
While Trump vowed to raise this temporary duty to 15%, he has yet to follow through on that threat. Meanwhile, US officials launched a series of trade investigations last week, paving the way for potential new permanent tariffs to replace those that were repealed.
Political and Legislative Context
Amidst this trade turmoil, severe weather moving across much of the United States has disrupted legislative proceedings. Tom Emmer, the GOP House majority whip, announced that the House will not be voting today, with the first votes now expected to take place on Tuesday.
This delay adds another layer of complexity to the political landscape as Trump continues to assert his influence on trade policy from outside the Oval Office.
The ongoing saga highlights the deep divisions and legal battles surrounding Trump's economic strategies, with implications for international relations and domestic politics alike.
