President Donald Trump speaks in Washington, DC.
Alex Wong/Getty Images North America
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Alex Wong/Getty Images North America
President Trump described the Supreme Court’s decision against widespread use of tariffs as “extremely disappointing” and criticized the members of the court who ruled against them.
He claimed that the judges opposing his position were acting out of liberal bias, although three of those who ruled against him were appointed by Republican presidents and two were appointed by Trump.
“I think it’s extremely disappointing, and I’m ashamed of some members of the court, absolutely ashamed of them for not having the courage to do what’s right for our country,” he said.
And he said he plans to explore alternatives, which he specifically mentioned.
“Their decision is wrong. But it doesn’t matter, because we have much more powerful alternatives that have been approved by this decision,” he said.
He cited “Sections 122, 201, 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, and Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930”, which outline separate and more cumbersome procedures for the President to impose tariffs.
Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 allows the President to impose tariffs to address the trade deficit. But those tariffs are limited to 15%, and only for 150 days.
Trump said, “Although I’m sure he did not intend to do so, today’s decision by the Supreme Court makes the President’s ability to regulate trade and impose tariffs more powerful and more clear, rather than curtailed. I don’t think he meant it to be that way. I’m sure he didn’t.”
And he said he would sign an executive order today to continue some tariffs under alternative authorities, including adding a “10% global tariff.”
“So all the national security tariffs under Section 232 and the existing Section 301, tariffs are effective immediately. They are in place. They are there. They remain in full force and effect and in full force and effect,” Trump said. “Today, I will sign an order imposing a 10% global tariff under Section 122, which will be on top of the normal tariffs we already charge. And we are also initiating multiple Section 301 and other investigations to protect our country from the unfair trade practices of other countries and companies.”
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