US President Donald Trump on Saturday announced an immediate increase in the global tariff rate from 10 per cent to 15 per cent, sharply criticising a recent Supreme Court ruling that blocked his sweeping tariff measures.
In a post on his platform Truth Social, Trump described the court’s verdict as “ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily anti-American,” claiming it undermined US interests. He accused several countries of exploiting the US for decades and maintained that the new tariff is legally permissible under Section 122 of the US trade law.
The 15 per cent balance-of-payments tariff can remain in effect for up to 150 days, with any extension requiring congressional approval. Trump said the administration will also continue investigations under Section 301 against nations engaging in unfair trade practices.
“Effective immediately, all national security and existing trade tariffs will stay in place,” he added, emphasising that the new order formalises the global tariff alongside existing duties.
Also read: Trump imposes 10 per cent global tariffs after court setback
The Supreme Court had ruled 6-3 that Trump’s administration exceeded its legal authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which allows regulation of specific international financial transactions during a national emergency, but does not permit blanket global trade tariffs. Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Brett Kavanaugh dissented.
Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, noted that Congress historically grants tariff-setting powers only through clear, narrowly defined delegations, warning that an expansive interpretation of IEEPA would unconstitutionally broaden presidential authority.
Trump defended his move as a necessary step to counter what he called decades of “unfair trade practices” against the US. The president stated that his administration will determine legally permissible tariffs in the coming months, maintaining that the new 15 per cent rate protects American industry while upholding national interests.
Follow us
