Trump slams Supreme Court after tariff ruling, raises taxes to 15%

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6–3 that former President Donald Trump went beyond his constitutional authority when he used a 1977 emergency law (the International Emergency Economic Powers Act) to impose sweeping tariffs on imports from most countries. The court said only Congress has the power to impose taxes and tariffs. The decision struck down most of Trump’s existing global tariffs, delivering a major check on executive power. Some more targeted tariffs (like those under other trade laws) remain in effect. After the ruling, Trump sharply criticized the Supreme Court, calling it “anti-American” and attacking justices who voted against him. The day after the ruling, he announced that he would raise the global tariff rate to 15%, up from 10%, using a different part of U.S. trade law (Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974). That provision allows up to 15% import tariffs for a limited time (150 days) without direct congressional approval. Trump framed the increase as lawful and necessary to protect U.S. industries — even though the Supreme Court blocked his earlier approach. Economists, business groups, and many Democrats are critical, saying higher tariffs will raise costs for American consumers and trigger legal opposition. International leaders and trading partners have raised concerns that the move increases global economic uncertainty. The legal basis for the new 15% tariffs is narrower and temporary; after 150 days, it technically requires congressional approval to stay in place. The Supreme Court ruling limits how future presidents can impose broad tariffs without Congress. Trump’s counter-move to raise tariffs to 15% shows he’s still pushing a protectionist agenda, but now under different legal authorities. The debate continues over economic impact, legal authority, and how these tariffs will affect U.S. trade and prices nationally and globally. If you want a breakdown of the legal statutes at play (like IEEPA vs Section 122) or what the 15% tariff might mean for consumers and businesses, I can explain those too.