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Trump argued the logic behind the Court’s position defies common sense. In remarks that quickly circulated across social media, he pointed to what he described as a glaring contradiction in the opinion.
“To show you how ridiculous the opinion is, the Court said that I’m not allowed to charge even $1 DOLLAR to any Country under IEEPA, I assume to protect other Countries, not the United States which they should be interested in protecting — But I am allowed to cut off any and all Trade or Business with that same Country, even imposing a Foreign Country destroying embargo, and do anything else I want to do to them — How nonsensical is that? They are saying that I have the absolute right to license, but not the right to charge a license fee. What license has ever been issued without the right to charge a fee? But now the Court has given me the unquestioned right to ban all sorts of things from coming into our Country, a much more powerful Right than many people thought we had.”
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While sharply criticizing the majority, Trump reserved praise for Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who issued a forceful dissent warning that the ruling could create confusion. Trump highlighted Kavanaugh’s reasoning as evidence that the administration’s broader tariff authority remains intact.
“Although I firmly disagree with the Court’s holding today, the decision might not substantially constrain a President’s ability to order tariffs going forward. That is because numerous other federal statutes authorize the President to impose tariffs and might justify most (if not all) of the tariffs issued in this case…Those statutes include, for example, the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (Section 232); the Trade Act of 1974 (Sections 122, 201, and 301); and the Tariff Act of 1930 (Section 338).”
Trump responded simply: “Thank you Justice Kavanaugh!”
In his view, the Court may have inadvertently strengthened executive trade power rather than weakening it. He argued that while the justices rejected one specific use of IEEPA, they left untouched a wide range of other legal authorities that allow a president to regulate trade, impose tariffs, restrict imports, and even enact embargoes.
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“Our Country is the “HOTTEST” anywhere in the World, but now, I am going in a different direction, which is even stronger than our original choice,” Trump declared.
The president then announced immediate action. He confirmed that national security tariffs under Section 232 and existing Section 301 tariffs will remain in full effect. In addition, he revealed plans to sign an order imposing a new 10 percent global tariff under Section 122 authority, on top of existing duties.
“Therefore, effective immediately, all National Security TARIFFS, Section 232 and existing Section 301 TARIFFS, remain in place, and in full force and effect. Today I will sign an Order to impose a 10% GLOBAL TARIFF, under Section 122, over and above our normal TARIFFS already being charged, and we are also initiating several Section 301 and other Investigations to protect our Country from unfair Trading practices. Thank you for your attention to this matter. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
The clash sets up a new constitutional and economic showdown. Rather than retreating, Trump appears ready to expand his trade agenda using alternative statutory authorities. Supporters argue the Court merely redirected the legal path, not the destination.
Critics warn the escalating tariff battle could trigger fresh trade disputes abroad. But inside Trump’s camp, the message is clear. The fight over trade sovereignty is far from over, and the administration believes it now has even stronger footing to press forward.
