Trump Calls Supreme Court Tariff Ruling a “Disgrace,” Says He Has Backup Plan
President Donald Trump lashed out after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down his sweeping tariff policy, calling the decision a “disgrace” and insisting he has a backup plan, according to CNN’s Kaitlan Collins. The remark came Friday during a White House breakfast with Republican governors and marked a rare public rebuke from Trump toward the nation’s highest court.
The tension underscores the stakes after the Supreme Court ruled 6–3 that Trump exceeded his authority in imposing broad global tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, a 1977 statute intended for emergency economic controls rather than sweeping tax measures. The majority said tariff power resides with Congress, not the executive branch.
Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the opinion, emphasizing that no statute clearly authorized such vast tariff authority. Conservative Justices Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett joined the majority, while Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Brett Kavanaugh dissented.
Related: Supreme Court Blocks Trump Tariffs in 6–3 Emergency Powers Ruling
Beyond the constitutional question, the ruling has major economic implications. Trump’s tariffs brought in tens of billions in revenue and were central to his trade agenda. With the Court’s decision, businesses that paid the now-invalidated duties could seek refunds, and U.S. trade relationships may need recalibration.
“It’s a disgrace,” Trump told governors, according to Collins’ reporting, suggesting the White House is already considering next moves and alternative legal authorities to pursue trade goals.
Related: House Republicans Break Ranks, Vote With Democrats to End Trump’s Canada Tariffs
The ruling highlights a growing clash between the executive branch and the judiciary over the scope of presidential power, particularly on economic policy affecting global trade and domestic industries.
Legal analysts now expect further litigation on how refunds are managed and whether Trump’s administration will pursue new legislative backing in Congress.
What comes next is whether Trump pushes for statutory tariff authority in Congress or shifts economic strategy altogether.
Related: Trump’s Manufacturing “Boom” Has Reversed — Jobs Shrink Despite Tariffs