Several U.S. Democrats are calling for former President Donald Trump to issue refunds to consumers following a Supreme Court ruling that deemed his tariffs illegal. The demands come after the court ruled 6-3 that Trump exceeded his authority by invoking emergency powers to impose tariffs that impacted global trade and increased domestic prices.
Demands for Tariff Refunds
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has sent Trump an invoice requesting nearly $9 billion in tariff refunds for families in his state. Pritzker urged the White House to “cut” a check, stating that the tariffs “wreaked havoc on farmers, enraged our allies and sent grocery prices through the roof.” He warned of further legal action if compensation is not provided.
California Governor Gavin Newsom echoed Pritzker’s sentiments, asserting the money raised from Trump’s tariffs originated from U.S. voters and should be returned. He described the tariffs as “an illegal cash grab” that increased prices and harmed working families.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul characterized the Trump administration’s tariffs as “an unlawful backdoor tax on hardworking families, farmers and small businesses, raising prices on everything from groceries to building materials.”
Trump’s Response and Potential Repayments
Trump has stated he will impose a 10% global tariff for 150 days to replace some of the emergency duties struck down by the Supreme Court. He previously indicated that millions of Americans would receive “a little rebate” due to the revenue generated by the tariffs.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has expressed doubt that ordinary Americans will see direct compensation. The Penn-Wharton Budget Model estimates potential refunds could total $175 billion, though the distribution of these funds remains unclear.
Trump acknowledged that any refund process could take years. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, in his dissent, noted the ruling did not address how the government should return the billions of dollars collected from importers.
Announced last April, Trump’s tariffs have raised more than $130 billion from importers, with a significant portion passed on to consumers through higher prices. Governor Pritzker demanded approximately $1,700 for each Illinois household, based on estimates from Yale University experts regarding the average U.S. household’s tariff burden last year.
Pritzker and Newsom are both considered potential Democratic contenders in the 2028 presidential race.
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