President Donald Trump sharply criticized the Supreme Court on Friday after it struck down his sweeping tariffs, saying he was “absolutely ashamed” of the justices who voted against his administration’s policy.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump did not hold back in expressing his frustration over the 6-3 ruling that found his emergency tariffs illegal under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), a 1977 law.
“The Supreme Court’s ruling on tariffs is deeply disappointing,” Trump said. “And I’m ashamed of certain members of the court, absolutely ashamed for not having the courage to do what’s right for our country.”
According to CNN’s Kaitlan Collins and Kristen Holmes, the president first learned of the court’s decision during a White House breakfast meeting with governors on Friday morning. The ruling, authored by Chief Justice John Roberts, was supported by two fellow conservatives, Justices Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett, along with the court’s three liberal justices.
The decision held that Trump’s tariffs on products entering the United States were not authorized under IEEPA, dealing a significant blow to one of the administration’s economic strategies.
After being informed of the ruling, Trump reportedly told those in attendance that he “has a backup plan,” while calling the decision “a disgrace.” He was also overheard saying, “These f*cking courts,” with Holmes reporting that he appeared “enraged.”
Despite the setback, Trump made a point to praise the three justices who dissented from the majority opinion. “I’d like to thank and congratulate Justices [Clarence] Thomas, [Samuel] Alito, and [Brett] Kavanaugh for their strength, and wisdom, and love of our country,” he said. “When you read the dissenting opinions, there’s no way that anyone can argue against them.”
The ruling has sparked reaction across party lines. Some Republicans welcomed the outcome. Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska said he feels “vindicated,” while former Vice President Mike Pence remarked that “American families and businesses can breathe a sigh of relief.”
For his part, Trump warned that foreign nations would view the decision as a victory — at least temporarily. “Foreign countries that have been ripping us off for years are ecstatic. They are so happy. They are dancing in the streets,” he said. “But they won’t be dancing for long — that I can assure you.”
The president framed the decision as not just a legal setback but a broader disappointment, signaling that he believes the court failed to stand up for what he views as the country’s economic interests. Even so, Trump indicated he is prepared to move forward despite the ruling, pointing to what he described as a “backup plan.”
The Supreme Court’s decision represents a major development in the ongoing legal battles surrounding executive authority and trade policy, and it underscores divisions not only between the administration and the judiciary, but also within Republican ranks.
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