‘I can destroy trade, but I can’t charge $1’: Trump mocks US Supreme Court’s tariff order

Trump spoke to reporters after the ruling, framing the court’s decision around what he said were fundamental contradictions.

“However, just to give you an idea of ​​how ridiculous that argument is, the court said I’m not even allowed to charge a dollar. I can’t charge a dollar… You can’t charge a dollar to any country under IEEPA. Not a dollar,” he said.

The Supreme Court earlier invalidated reciprocal tariffs imposed in April under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), dealing a blow to one of Trump’s key trade measures.

“But I’m allowed to cut off any and all trade or business with the same country. In other words, I can destroy trade. I can destroy this country. I’m even allowed to impose breaking embargoes on foreign countries. I can embargo. I can do whatever I want, but I can’t charge a dollar,” Trump said.

“I assume, [the court’s order is] to protect other countries. This must be done to protect other countries. Certainly not the United States of America, which they should be interested in protecting,” he said.

“But now other alternatives will be used to replace the alternatives that the court wrongly rejected. We have alternatives, great alternatives, that will probably bring in more money. We will receive more money and we will be stronger for it,” he said.

“Nothing has changed. They will pay tariffs and we will not pay tariffs. The agreement with India is that they pay tariffs. This is the opposite of what has happened in the past,” he said.

White House officials clarified that for countries that have signed trade agreements with the United States, such as India, the tariff level will be temporarily reduced to 10% before the new tax rate is determined.

“I am deeply honored to have just signed a global 10% tariff on all countries in the Oval Office that goes into effect almost immediately. Thank you for your attention!” he posted on Truth Social.

The new tariffs were authorized under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows the president to impose tariffs of up to 15% for up to 150 days to address “large and serious” balance of payments problems.

Authorities do not require a formal investigation. However, any extension beyond 150 days will require congressional approval. After that deadline, the tariffs can only go forward if lawmakers sign off.

However, legal experts say the newly announced tariffs may also face court review. However, since the obligations under Section 122 are limited to 150 days (unless extended by Congress), any legal challenge is likely to last longer than the measure itself.