President Trump sent a powerful message Saturday: no court ruling, however sweeping, would halt his tariff agenda. Within hours of the Supreme Court striking down his IEEPA-based tariff authority in a 6-3 ruling, Trump announced a new 15% global tariff under a different legal provision and pledged to keep building his trade policy until it was legally unassailable.
The new tariff draws on Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which permits tariffs of up to 15% for 150 days without congressional approval. Trump declared it effective immediately on Truth Social and characterized it as both legally solid and morally necessary, accusing foreign nations of systematically exploiting American trade for decades. His administration vowed to use the 150-day window to craft permanent, court-resistant trade mechanisms.
Trump’s response to the Supreme Court’s ruling was incendiary. He called the decision “ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily anti-American,” and launched personal attacks on the justices who ruled against him. His own nominees Barrett and Gorsuch were described as “an embarrassment to their families” and “barely” welcome at the upcoming State of the Union. He praised dissenters Kavanaugh, Thomas, and Alito as patriotic and courageous.
Allies around the world scrambled to respond. Germany’s Chancellor Merz said tariff volatility was the biggest economic poison facing transatlantic relations and announced a visit to Washington with a coordinated European proposal. France’s Macron defended the judiciary’s essential role in democratic governance and insisted trade must be governed by reciprocity and fairness.
American businesses and consumers have absorbed about 90% of the $130 billion in tariffs collected under the invalidated IEEPA framework. Business associations seeking refunds were told to expect a long legal fight. Exemptions to the new 15% rate cover critical minerals, metals, pharmaceuticals, and USMCA-compliant goods. Sector-specific tariffs on steel, aluminum, lumber, and autos remain fully active.