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Trump Escalates Pressure as Supreme Court Weighs His Emergency Tariff Powers

The pending ruling will determine whether the International Emergency Economic Powers Act lets the president impose sweeping tariffs without congressional approval.

Overview

  • Trump warned on Truth Social that a ruling curbing his tariff authority would be the “biggest threat in history to United States National Security” and leave the country “financially defenseless.”
  • The Supreme Court fast-tracked the case and heard arguments in November, with Justices Amy Coney Barrett, Neil Gorsuch and Chief Justice John Roberts signaling skepticism of the administration’s position.
  • Lower courts have repeatedly ruled against the administration’s use of emergency powers to levy broad, revenue-raising tariffs.
  • Treasury data show tariff receipts were about $195 billion last fiscal year and roughly $31 billion so far this year, far below Trump’s public claim of taking in “trillions.”
  • Trump continues to lean on tariffs across rivals and allies, including authorizing documents for a 5% tariff threat on Mexico over a water dispute, as critics warn of higher prices and foreign retaliation.