Newsom Condemns Trump's 'Flailing' Tariff Strategy Post-Supreme Court Ruling
California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, has launched a scathing critique against former President Donald Trump, accusing him of "flailing" in response to a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that struck down his sweeping tariffs. The court ruled last Friday that Trump lacked the emergency authority to impose these tariffs, a move that has ignited a fiery political and economic debate.
Trump's Executive Action and Social Media Escalation
In the wake of the court's ruling, Trump signed an executive order on Friday night asserting his ability to bypass Congress and implement a 10% tax on global imports. The situation escalated further on Saturday when Trump took to Truth Social, announcing an increase to 15%. In his post, he criticized the Supreme Court's decision as "ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily anti-American," claiming the tariff hike was necessary to address countries he alleges have been exploiting the U.S. for decades.
Newsom's Blistering Response in CNN Interview
Governor Newsom did not hold back in his assessment during an interview with CNN's Dana Bash that aired on Sunday. "The whole thing is a farce," Newsom declared. "I talk about petulance. It was 10% two days ago, maybe 20% tomorrow. I mean, this is madness." He elaborated on Trump's behavior, likening him to a "punch-drunk boxer" who is "just trying to hit anything, a shadow, and he's a shadow of himself. He's lost a step or two."
Allegations of Illegality and Economic Damage
Newsom asserted that Trump's tariffs were "always an illegal act" and demanded immediate restitution. "He needs to refund that money with interest," Newsom insisted. "He could do that in a nanosecond. They could do that electronically." He further compared Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to characters from the 1994 comedy "Dumb & Dumber," accusing them of having "wrecked this economy."
Critique of Trump's Economic Policies
In his closing remarks, Newsom attacked Trump's broader economic agenda, describing it as centered on mass deportations, tax cuts for billionaires, and tariffs. "He's been exposed. He's a fraud," Newsom stated. "And by the way, the tariff? This is a self-dealing operation. This is about his personal portfolio." This exchange highlights the deepening partisan divide over trade and economic policy, with Newsom positioning himself as a vocal opponent of Trump's approach in the lead-up to potential future political clashes.
