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The United States is set to increase tariffs on imports from other countries to 15%, as declared by President Donald Trump on Saturday. This decision marks an escalation from the previous 10% tariffs that were implemented just a day prior.
This move comes as a reaction to a Supreme Court decision that nullified Trump’s broad tariff measures enacted last year. The ruling has evidently not deterred the President, who remains steadfast in his approach to international trade.
In an extensive post on Truth Social, Trump articulated his stance, stating, “After a thorough, detailed, and complete review of the ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily anti-American decision on tariffs issued yesterday, after many months of contemplation, by the United States Supreme Court, please let this statement serve to represent that I, as President of the United States of America, will be, effective immediately, raising the 10% worldwide tariff on countries.”
The President further expressed grievances about foreign nations exploiting the U.S. for many years without facing consequences. He described the tariff increase to 15% as “legally tested,” despite the Supreme Court’s opposing ruling.
Amidst this unfolding situation, there is speculation that the U.S. government could be liable for up to $175 billion in refunds following the tariff ruling, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing trade discussions.
The president also said foreign countries have been “ripping the U.S. off for decades without retribution.” He called the 15% hike “legally tested,” despite SCOTUS ruling otherwise.
Justices on Friday ruled Trump is not authorized to impose sweeping tariffs under the statute, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which he cited to justify his levies against other nations.
The 1970s-era law allows the president to “regulate” imports when necessary, but justices found his use of IEEPA unlawful.
“We claim no special competence in matters of economics or foreign affairs,” Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in the decision. “We claim only, as we must, the limited role assigned to us by Article III of the Constitution. Fulfilling that role, we hold that IEEPA does not authorize the President to impose tariffs.”
Justices Brett Kavanaugh, Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented.