Trump Slams Justices After 6-3 Ruling
President Donald Trump sharply criticized the Supreme Court following a major 6-3 decision that significantly limits his authority to impose sweeping tariffs under a 1970s trade law.
The ruling represents a major setback for Trump’s trade agenda, particularly his strategy of using broad tariffs as leverage in international negotiations.
Supreme Court Rebukes Trump’s Tariff Authority
In the majority opinion, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that the president must “point to clear congressional authorization” to justify imposing sweeping tariffs.
“He cannot,” Roberts stated, concluding that Trump overstepped his legal authority when he enacted wide-ranging tariffs during what he called “Liberation Day” in April 2025.
While the decision does not invalidate all of Trump’s tariffs — some were enacted under separate legal authorities — it significantly restricts his ability to impose broad, unilateral trade measures against foreign nations.
Trump Slams Justices, Praises Kavanaugh
Trump responded forcefully to the ruling, accusing some justices of being “absolutely ashamed” and suggesting, without evidence, that members of the court were “swayed by foreign interests.”
He also claimed the majority opinion appeared “almost like not written by smart people” and criticized what he described as political correctness influencing the court.
“They are just being fools and lapdogs for the RINOS and radical left Democrats,” Trump said.
However, the former president praised Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who authored a 63-page dissenting opinion. Trump said he was “so proud” of Kavanaugh and claimed the justice’s “stock has gone way up.”
Kavanaugh’s dissent highlighted concerns about the practical consequences of the ruling, especially regarding potential refunds.
“The Court says nothing today about whether, and if so how, the Government should go about returning the billions of dollars that it has collected from importers,” Kavanaugh wrote, warning that the process could become a “mess.”
What Happens to $133 Billion in Tariff Revenue?
According to Treasury Department data, the United States has collected more than $133 billion in tariff revenue as of December.
The Supreme Court’s ruling did not directly address whether businesses would be entitled to refunds for tariffs collected under the invalidated authority. The uncertainty raises questions about possible litigation and administrative complications in the months ahead.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently described the potential refund process as a “corporate boondoggle,” questioning whether companies such as Costco — which is reportedly involved in legal challenges — would pass refunded money back to customers.
“It won’t be a problem if we have to do it,” Bessent said, while expressing doubt that such refunds would ultimately be required.
Political and Economic Impact
Trump, who has often referred to himself as “Tariff Man,” has previously proposed using tariff revenue to fund initiatives ranging from refund checks and childcare programs to reducing the national debt.
The Supreme Court decision now narrows his flexibility in using tariffs as a primary economic and diplomatic tool.
The ruling is expected to remain a key topic as Trump prepares to deliver his upcoming State of the Union address, where Supreme Court justices traditionally sit in the front row.
