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Trump criticizes Supreme Court decision in personal terms
U.S. President Donald Trump launched an unusually personal attack against the six Supreme Court justices who ruled against his administration's global tariffs on Friday, calling their decision "deeply disappointing" and questioning their integrity.
Ruling strikes down tariff authority
The Supreme Court ruled that presidents lack inherent authority to impose sweeping tariffs on foreign nations, delivering a major setback to Trump's trade policy. The decision split the court evenly along ideological lines, with three liberal and three conservative justices joining the majority.
Chief Justice John Roberts, a George W. Bush appointee, authored the majority opinion, which included votes from Trump's own nominees, Justices Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett.
Trump targets justices in fiery response
At a White House press conference hours after the ruling, Trump accused the justices of lacking courage and suggested they were influenced by "foreign interests," though he provided no evidence. He also directed sharp criticism at Gorsuch and Barrett, calling their votes an "embarrassment" and questioning their loyalty.
"I'm ashamed of certain members of the court. Absolutely ashamed for not having the courage to do what's right for our country."
President Donald Trump
Trump used derogatory language to describe the justices, labeling them "fools and lapdogs" for political opponents. He did not spare Republican appointees, including his own nominees.
Praise for dissenting justices
In contrast, Trump praised the three justices who sided with his position-Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Brett Kavanaugh-calling their dissent a display of "strength and wisdom." He singled out Kavanaugh, his other first-term appointee, for particular commendation.
Kavanaugh's dissent argued that the ruling would force the government to refund billions in tariff revenue, creating a "mess."
Experts weigh in on reaction
Legal and trade analysts said Trump's response was predictable given his investment in the case. Alan Wm Wolff, former deputy director-general of the World Trade Organization, noted the court's awareness of the decision's significance to the president.
"It's unfortunate that he attacked these justices. The Supreme Court said he went too far."
Colin Grabow, Cato Institute trade expert
Grabow, a libertarian analyst, described the ruling as "a victory for the rule of law."
What's next for Trump's trade policy
Despite the setback, Trump vowed to explore alternative methods to impose tariffs, signaling no retreat from his trade agenda. The ruling leaves open questions about the limits of presidential authority in economic policy.
