Supreme Court Delivers Major Blow on Trade Powers (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Washington – President Donald Trump exchanged handshakes and brief words with several Supreme Court justices during his State of the Union address on Tuesday, days after he publicly condemned their ruling against his sweeping tariffs.[1][2]
Supreme Court Delivers Major Blow on Trade Powers
The Supreme Court issued its decision on February 20 in a 6-3 ruling that struck down most of Trump’s tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.[3] Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the majority opinion, joined by Justices Neil Gorsuch, Amy Coney Barrett, Elena Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor, and Ketanji Brown Jackson. The court held that the statute did not authorize the president to levy such duties, applying the major questions doctrine to limit executive power on economic matters.[3]
Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Brett Kavanaugh dissented. The invalidated measures included a 10% baseline tariff on nearly every trading partner, plus higher rates on countries like China, Canada, and Mexico aimed at trade deficits and fentanyl flows.[3] Lower courts had already deemed the tariffs unlawful, and the high court upheld those findings.
President’s Sharp Pre-Address Criticism
Trump reacted swiftly to the ruling with strong words during White House remarks. He described the decision as “deeply disappointing” and expressed shame toward majority justices, calling them a “disgrace to our nation.”[3] He labeled them “very unpatriotic” and “disloyal to the Constitution,” even singling out Barrett and Gorsuch as “an embarrassment to their families.”[2]
Trump thanked the dissenters for their “strength and wisdom.” He announced immediate countermeasures, imposing a new 10% global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 and raising it to 15% the following day. On Friday, he told reporters he “couldn’t care less if they come” to the State of the Union.[2]
Courteous Encounters in the House Chamber
Four justices attended the address: Roberts, Barrett, Kagan, and Kavanaugh. Trump greeted them warmly upon entering, shaking hands with Roberts, Kagan, Kavanaugh, and Barrett.[2][4] The exchanges appeared friendly, contrasting his earlier barbs. Justices typically remain neutral at such events, refraining from applause.
Barrett and Kavanaugh, Trump appointees, clapped occasionally, while Roberts and Kagan stayed more reserved. The group sat in the front row as Trump spoke.[2]
| Justice | Ruling Vote | SOTU Attendance |
|---|---|---|
| John Roberts | Majority | Yes |
| Amy Coney Barrett | Majority | Yes |
| Elena Kagan | Majority | Yes |
| Brett Kavanaugh | Dissent | Yes |
Tempered Remarks During the Speech
Trump addressed the ruling directly, stating, “Just four days ago, an unfortunate ruling from the United States Supreme Court came down. Very unfortunate ruling.”[4] He called it disappointing but defended the tariffs’ benefits, noting they brought in hundreds of billions from countries that “ripped us off for decades.”[4]
He vowed a new regime using “time-tested and approved” authorities, insisting no congressional action was needed. Tariff revenue had surged, reaching $124 billion this fiscal year, triple the prior pace.[4]
- January collections: $30.4 billion, up 275% year-over-year.
- Aimed at funding debt reduction and economic deals.
- Reshaped supply chains amid global trade shifts.
Key Takeaways
- The ruling limits presidential tariff powers but sparks new legal fights.
- Trump’s quick pivot preserved much of his trade agenda.
- SOTU optics showed restraint despite personal attacks.
The episode underscores ongoing tensions between branches over trade policy, yet Trump’s composure at the podium signals a focus on forward momentum. As tariffs continue to fuel debate, their role in America’s economic strategy remains pivotal. What implications do you see for U.S. trade moving ahead? Share in the comments.
