Trump imposes new 10 percent global tariffs, attacks SC ruling

U.S. President Donald Trump announced a new 10 percent global tariff on imports after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down key parts of his earlier tariff policy.

In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that Trump exceeded his authority when he imposed sweeping tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The court said the emergency law did not grant the president broad power to levy import taxes without congressional approval.

Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods. They are typically calculated as a percentage of a product’s value and are paid by companies bringing foreign products into a country. Businesses often pass some or all of those costs on to consumers through higher prices.

Despite the ruling, Trump quickly moved to preserve much of his trade agenda, invoking a different legal authority.

“Effective immediately, all national security tariffs under Section 232, and existing Section 301 tariffs — they’re existing, they’re there — remain in place, fully in place, and in full force and effect,” Trump said during a White House press conference.

“Today, I will sign an order to impose a 10 percent global tariff under Section 122, over and above our normal tariffs already being charged. And we’re also initiating several Section 301 and other investigations to protect our country from unfair trading practices of other countries and companies.”

Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 allows the president to impose tariffs of up to 15 percent for as long as 150 days. Any extension beyond that period would require action from Congress. Unlike the emergency powers law, Section 122 tariffs must be nondiscriminatory, meaning they apply uniformly to trading partners.

Trump described the court’s decision as “deeply disappointing” and sharply criticized several justices, including members he nominated during his first term. He also accused the court of being “swayed by foreign interests,” though he offered no evidence.

When asked about the ruling, Trump said he was surprised by the outcome and defended his tariff policies.

“In other words, I can destroy the trade, I can destroy the country. But I can’t give them a little fee,” he said, arguing that the decision restricted his ability to impose tariffs while allowing other trade actions.

Administration officials signaled that additional trade measures are being prepared. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the government retained multiple legal tools.

“We have a lot of tools out there,” Greer said. “You can look forward in the coming days and weeks to seeing all of that come out. And we’re going to keep continuity in the program.”

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration expects the new tariffs, combined with existing Section 232 and Section 301 duties, to maintain revenue levels.

“My sense is that could be dragged out for weeks, months, years,” Bessent said when discussing potential tariff refunds tied to the court decision.

The ruling triggered debate over whether companies that previously paid tariffs under the invalidated authority would receive refunds. Legal experts said the issue could lead to extended litigation.

Market reaction was muted but positive. Major U.S. stock indexes ended higher despite uncertainty surrounding future trade policies.

Separately, Trump also addressed foreign policy issues, including Iran. He reiterated pressure on Tehran to enter a new nuclear agreement and warned of possible military action if negotiations fail, linking trade and security policies in his remarks.