Trump Slams ‘Political’ Tariff Ruling, Demands SCOTUS Action/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ J.Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump lashed out Thursday at a federal court ruling that struck down his emergency tariff powers. He criticized the judges involved and blamed the Federalist Society for “bad advice” on judicial nominations. Trump called on the Supreme Court to overturn the decision swiftly.
Trump Court Clash Over Tariffs: Quick Looks
- Trump criticized a U.S. Court of International Trade ruling that invalidated his use of emergency tariff powers under the IEEPA.
- The U.S. Court of Appeals temporarily stayed the decision, allowing tariffs to remain in effect for now.
- Trump blasted the decision as “so wrong, and so political,” accusing judges of harming the U.S. economy.
- He singled out the Federalist Society and Leonard Leo, claiming they gave him “bad advice” on judicial picks.
- Trump said he was “very proud” of some judges, but disappointed by others who “don’t put the country first.”
- The president called on the Supreme Court to intervene “quickly and decisively” to restore his authority.
- Twelve states have sued Trump, alleging the tariffs are illegal and economically harmful.
- Trump maintained the tariffs are key to a “rich, prosperous, and successful” America.
Deep Look: Trump Denounces ‘Political’ Court Ruling on Tariffs, Blames Judges and Legal Advisors
WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump unleashed a scathing rebuke Thursday night following a federal court decision that invalidated his sweeping tariff strategy. Calling the ruling “so wrong, and so political,” Trump turned his ire on the judiciary, the Federalist Society, and the legal framework that has challenged his aggressive trade agenda.
Legal Turmoil Over Trump’s Tariffs
The controversy stems from the U.S. Court of International Trade’s determination that Trump overstepped his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). That ruling struck at the heart of Trump’s global trade maneuvering — particularly the emergency tariffs that had been imposed on a range of countries including China, Canada, and Mexico.
Just one day later, however, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit issued a temporary stay, allowing the tariffs to continue while the administration pursues an appeal.
In a lengthy post on Truth Social, Trump tore into the initial ruling and suggested political bias was behind the decision.
“Where do these initial three Judges come from? How is it possible for them to have potentially done such damage to the United States of America?”
Targeting the Federalist Society
Trump’s frustration extended beyond the bench. In a rare rebuke of his own past allies, he directed criticism at Leonard Leo, a key figure in the Federalist Society, which helped shape many of Trump’s judicial appointments during his first term.
“It was suggested that I use The Federalist Society as a recommending source on Judges… I did so… but then realized they were under the thumb of a real ‘sleazebag’ named Leonard Leo,” Trump wrote.
The president claimed Leo “probably hates America” and harbored “separate ambitions.” He said he was “so disappointed” in the group for the judicial nominations that, in his view, failed to uphold his policy initiatives.
A Legal Battle with National Stakes
The court’s ruling comes at a crucial time as Trump reasserts tariff pressure on global markets, including the controversial 145% duties on Chinese imports, which had been temporarily reduced to facilitate negotiations.
Legal experts note that the IEEPA has been traditionally interpreted narrowly, and the court found that Trump’s broad tariff application may have violated its constraints.
Meanwhile, twelve U.S. states have filed lawsuits claiming the tariffs are illegal and economically damaging. Critics argue they have disrupted supply chains and added costs for American businesses and consumers.
Plea to the Supreme Court
In his post, Trump called on the Supreme Court to act swiftly, stating:
“Hopefully, the Supreme Court will reverse this horrible, Country threatening decision, QUICKLY and DECISIVELY.”
He continued:
“The President of the United States must be allowed to protect America against those that are doing it Economic and Financial harm.”
This case could become one of the defining legal battles of Trump’s second term, with major implications for presidential power, trade policy, and the balance of authority between branches of government.
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