US President Donald Trump sharply criticised the US Supreme Court on Friday after it overturned his administration’s reciprocal tariffs, arguing that the judgment prevents him from imposing even a minimal levy on foreign nations. Just hours after the ruling, he unveiled a new 10 per cent “global tariff" covering all US trading partners.
Speaking to reporters, Trump questioned the logic of the court’s decision, saying it barred him from charging “even $1" under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the statute his administration had relied upon to introduce the tariffs in April.
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“To show you how ridiculous the opinion is, however, the court said that I’m not allowed to charge even $1. I can’t charge $1… Can’t charge $1 to any country under IEEPA. Not $1," the US president said.
The court’s move effectively nullified one of the cornerstone trade measures of his policy agenda.
Trump contended that the judgment created an inconsistency by restricting limited tariffs while still permitting sweeping trade actions. He argued that although he could legally sever trade ties entirely or impose a full embargo on a country, he was being blocked from levying even a nominal duty.
“But I am allowed to cut off any and all trade or business with that same country. In other words, I can destroy the trade. I can destroy the country. I’m even allowed to impose a foreign country-destroying embargo. I can embargo. I can do anything I want, but I can’t charge $1," the Republican leader said.
He suggested the ruling appeared designed to shield foreign nations rather than safeguard US interests.
“I assume, [the court’s order is] to protect other countries. This must have been done to protect those other countries. Certainly not the United States of America, which they should be interested in protecting," he said.
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Source: World News in news18.com, World Latest News, World News
