Former President Donald Trump is sounding the alarm after the US Supreme Court struck down his administration’s broad tariff policy, warning of a financial tidal wave of “hundreds of billions of dollars” that could flow back to foreign nations and companies.
The nation’s highest court ruled against Trump’s far-reaching tariffs, which were a cornerstone of his trade agenda. The justices found that these tariffs, imposed under an emergency powers law, were unconstitutional. Why? Because the Constitution clearly gives Congress—not the President—the power to impose taxes and duties. Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, emphasized that the executive branch doesn’t hold this taxing power.
Reacting strongly on Truth Social, Trump expressed his deep disappointment. He argued that allowing these refunds would be an “undeserved ‘windfall'” for entities he claimed had long “ripped off” the United States. He even publicly questioned if a rehearing or readjudication of the case was possible, highlighting his disbelief that the Court intended such an outcome.
The Supreme Court’s decision didn’t specify whether companies that paid these tariffs would get their money back, leaving a massive question mark over billions already collected by the Treasury. Businesses are already lining up in lower courts seeking reimbursement, promising complex legal battles ahead. Even Justice Brett Kavanaugh, in his dissent, acknowledged the potential “mess” if refunds are required without clear guidance.
Despite this major legal setback, Trump has vowed to continue pursuing tariff-based trade measures through other legal avenues, signaling his intent to impose a new global 10 percent tariff using different authority. This ruling marks a significant moment, reaffirming constitutional limits on executive power and potentially reshaping future trade policies.
