Trump furiously attacks the Supreme Court after blocking tariffs. Blames 'foreign influences' and announces new 10% global tariffs
On Friday, US President Donald Trump harshly criticized the Supreme Court justices who blocked his tariffs, calling them “a disgrace to the nation”. At the same time, the leader of the White House announced the imposition of global customs tariffs of 10% for all countries, a measure that will come into force starting from February 24, 2026.
Trump harshly criticized the Supreme Court justices who blocked his tariffs. PHOTO: AFP
Trump said he would immediately sign an order raising tariffs globally, invoking Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, and said investigations into unfair trade practices would be launched, which could lead to additional tariffs. According to him, current law gives him the authority to introduce such tariffs without congressional approval.
“It is my great honor to have signed, from the Oval Office, a global 10 percent tariff for all countries, which will take effect almost immediately,” Trump wrote on his social network, Truth Social.
Shortly thereafter, the White House released a fact sheet confirming that the president had signed a proclamation establishing a temporary Section 122 import tax.
According to explanations provided by the Congressional Research Service, this legal provision allows for the imposition of temporary surcharges when the US faces “large and serious balance of payments deficits” or with other fundamental international payments issues. The section has not been used before, and courts have not previously interpreted its legal language.
However, the law also sets clear limits: tariffs cannot exceed 15% and can be applied for a maximum period of 150 days.
Canada and Mexico will be exempt from the new tariffs under the North American trade agreement, the White House said. Also exempted are certain food products, such as beef and tomatoes, as well as critical minerals.
In statements made at the White House, Trump accused the Supreme Court of being influenced by “foreign interests” and by a minority political movement.
“I am ashamed of certain members of the Court. Absolutely ashamed because they did not have the courage to do what is right for our country,” Trump said, according to The Guardian.
The president praised the three justices who dissented from the Court's decision: Brett Kavanaugh, Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito. Instead, the other justices, including two appointed by himself (Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch) were heavily criticized.
Trump described them as straight “unpatriotic” and “disloyal to the Constitution” and stated that they would be “a disgrace to their families”. He also hinted that their participation in next week's State of the Nation address was “almost” cancelled.
Asked about the evidence that would support claims of foreign influence on the Supreme Court, Donald Trump replied: “You will find out.”
