Former President Donald Trump unleashed a torrent of criticism against the Supreme Court on Friday, following a ruling that curtailed his authority to impose tariffs. In a press conference, Trump labeled members of the court "fools and lapdogs" and expressed deep disappointment over the decision.
Trump's Outburst Over Tariff Ruling
"The Supreme Court's ruling on tariffs is deeply disappointing, and I'm ashamed of certain members of the court, absolutely ashamed, for not having the courage to do what's right for our country," Trump stated. The court's 6-3 decision struck down some of Trump's sweeping "emergency" tariffs on U.S. trade partners worldwide, with conservative Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, and Brett Kavanaugh dissenting.
Dissenting Justices Praised
Trump extended gratitude to the dissenting justices, saying, "I'd like to thank and congratulate Justices Thomas, Alito, and Kavanaugh for their strength and wisdom and love of our country, which is right now very proud of those justices. When you read the dissenting opinions, there's no way that anyone can argue against them, there's no way."
Legal Basis of the Ruling
The ruling centered on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), with the majority holding that it did not authorize the president to impose tariffs. Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, emphasized that the Framers granted tariff power to "Congress alone," noting that Congress would not relinquish such authority through vague language or without careful limits.
Trump's Continued Criticism
Trump did not hold back in his condemnation, accusing the justices who voted against him of being politically correct and unpatriotic. "Others think they're being politically correct, which has happened before far too often with certain members of this court," he said. "And it's happened so often with this court, what a shame. And having to do with voting in particular, when in fact they're just being fools and lapdogs for the RINOS and the radical left Democrats. They're very unpatriotic and disloyal to our Constitution."
Earlier Reactions and Implications
Earlier in the day, Trump reportedly expressed his frustration at a White House breakfast, calling the courts "fucking courts" and labeling the decision a "disgrace" during a meeting with governors. The ruling carries significant financial consequences for the Trump administration, as a previous appeals court ruling in August deemed most of Trump's "reciprocal" tariffs illegal but delayed refunds pending the Supreme Court's input.
Doomed from the Start
Trump's hopes for a favorable ruling seemed unlikely from the outset. During oral arguments in November, Justice Neil Gorsuch raised concerns about a "one-way ratchet" of authority shifting from Congress to the president, questioning whether any president would willingly return such power.
