Top US trade negotiator Jamieson Greer stated Sunday that the Trump administration intends to continue its tariffs policy, despite a Supreme Court ruling two days prior that declared many of Donald Trump’s tariffs illegal.
Supreme Court Ruling and Continued Tariff Policy
The Supreme Court’s ruling on Friday was a sharp rebuke to the former president, overturning a key component of his economic agenda. Trump responded by announcing a new global tariff using different statutes, though it is temporary. “The reality is, we want to maintain the policy we have, have as much continuity as possible, make sure that business understands this is the direction we’ve been going. We’re going to continue going this way,” Greer told ABC News’ This Week.
Despite an ABC/Washington Post/Ipsos poll showing 64% of Americans disapprove of tariffs as an economic strategy, Greer maintained the policy would continue. “The policy hasn’t changed. The legal tools that implement that may change but the policy hasn’t changed,” he said, arguing it provides US businesses with “a lot of leverage” in world trade.
Tariff Deals with International Partners
Greer also indicated the US will not back out of existing tariff deals with countries including the UK, the EU, Japan, and Switzerland, even though the Supreme Court ruled the tariffs imposed in those deals were illegal. He stated the 15% global tariff announced Saturday, increased from 10% announced Friday, is separate from the bilateral agreements reached with around 20 countries over the past nine months.
“We want them to understand these deals are going to be good deals,” Greer said. “We’re going to stand by them. We expect our partners to stand by them.” He conceded the administration would have less flexibility in imposing emergency tariffs, the type struck down by the court as an inappropriate use of a 1977 emergency powers law.
Reactions to the Ruling
Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer called the ruling a win for American consumers and an example of Trump’s “overreach” failing. “A president cannot ignore Congress and unilaterally slap tariffs on Americans … Now Trump should end this reckless trade war for good and finally give families and small businesses the relief they deserve,” Schumer said.
The policy aims to incentivize other countries’ exporters and manufacturers to invest and produce goods within the US, but critics argue American consumers have ultimately paid more. The Supreme Court ruling angered Trump, who announced the 15% global tariff on Saturday under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act, a different legal basis than the one reviewed by the court.
US wine importer Victor Schwartz, a plaintiff in the case that reached the Supreme Court, expressed relief and excitement over the ruling. “It’s impossible to describe the feeling of elation, of seeing that, yes, we were right, and the court agrees with us, and a feeling that justice prevailed,” he said.
Legal Justification and Future Steps
The 6-3 Supreme Court ruling determined that a 1977 law intended for national emergencies did not justify most of the Trump administration’s tariffs. Tariffs typically require Congressional approval, as the Constitution grants Congress sole authority to levy taxes. Trump had argued his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act allowed him to impose tariffs during a national emergency.
The court’s majority opinion, however, stated that the power to enact tariffs during peacetime resides with Congress. Greer indicated the administration would not automatically seek Congressional authorization for the new tariffs, which are set to expire in five months without it.
The administration will leave the issue of refunds for tariffs already imposed to the court of international trade, following the Supreme Court’s decision to provide “zero guidance” on the matter. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration would await direction from a lower court regarding refunds and affirmed that revenue projections for the US treasury in 2026 remain unchanged.
California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized Trump’s tariff policy as “madness” and “petulance,” describing the former president as “flailing” and “a punch-drunk boxer.” He characterized the Trump-Bessent economy as “dumb and dumber,” citing 1.4% GDP growth in the last quarter, inflation back up to 3%, and the worst jobs numbers since 2013.
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