President Trump refused to back down from his aggressive trade agenda on Saturday, announcing a 15% tariff on all foreign imports just hours after the Supreme Court invalidated his previous tariff authority. The new measure relies on a provision of the Trade Act of 1974 that has never before been used by any sitting president.
The court ruled 6-3 on Friday that Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act was an unconstitutional overreach, requiring congressional approval that was never granted. Rather than accept the ruling, Trump immediately sought a new legal avenue, settling on Section 122 of the 1974 law, which permits the president to levy up to 15% tariffs for up to 150 days.
Trump’s Truth Social post announcing the hike was combative in tone, accusing foreign nations of “ripping” the US off for decades and framing the tariff increase as rightful retaliation. He attacked the justices in the majority as “unpatriotic” and “disloyal,” reserving particular venom for two of his own Supreme Court picks.
Globally, the announcement triggered fresh anxiety. German Chancellor Merz said businesses needed certainty, not more volatility, while British trade officials warned that the increase would be “bad for trade, bad for US consumers, and weaken global economic growth.” The UK faces fresh uncertainty after previously agreeing to a 10% rate.
An estimated $130 billion in tariffs has already been collected, with research showing US consumers and businesses absorbing roughly 90% of that burden. Critics say the new 15% rate will deepen that financial strain even further. Trump’s administration has vowed to develop legally sound, long-term tariff mechanisms during the 150-day window the new law provides.
Trump Raises Tariffs to 15%, Defying Supreme Court With New Legal Strategy
