Trump Warns He “Can Destroy the Country” After Tariff Ruling
President Donald Trump responded forcefully after the Supreme Court blocked his use of emergency authority to impose broad tariffs.
Speaking from the White House during a C-SPAN-broadcast news conference, Trump argued the ruling unfairly restricts his executive powers at a moment he says requires aggressive trade action.
The Court ruled that the statute he relied on does not authorize sweeping tariff authority without congressional approval, according to reporting on the decision and the justices’ opinion.
During his remarks, Trump questioned the limits placed on his office and compared tariffs to other executive tools such as embargoes.
Related: Supreme Court Blocks Trump Tariffs in 6–3 Emergency Powers Ruling
“I can do anything I want. I can destroy the country,” Trump said, arguing the Court was preventing him from charging what he described as a small fee on foreign imports.
He framed the ruling as contradictory, suggesting presidents retain broad authority in other areas while being constrained on trade penalties.
The decision represents a significant boundary on executive power and could shape future trade disputes between the White House and Congress.
Trump indicated he would explore alternative legal avenues to advance his trade agenda.
The legal and political fight over tariff authority now appears far from over.
Related: Trump Calls Supreme Court Tariff Ruling a “Disgrace,” Says He Has Backup Plan