Former President Donald Trump sharply criticized Supreme Court Justices Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett, both his appointees, after they joined the majority in a ruling that blocked his tariff authority.
Supreme Court Rejects Trump's Tariff Authority
On February 20, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Learning Resources Inc. v. Trump that the president lacks unilateral power to impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the 6-3 majority, argued that IEEPA's language on 'regulate' and 'importation' does not authorize broad tariff actions. Justices Brett Kavanaugh, Samuel Alito, and Clarence Thomas dissented.
Trump's Public Condemnation
Speaking at a National Republican Congressional Committee dinner in Washington, D.C., on March 9, 2026, Trump accused the Court of costing the country 'hundreds of billions of dollars.' He specifically targeted Gorsuch and Barrett, stating, "And they sicken me. They sicken me because they're bad for our country." Trump did not initially name the justices but later referred to them directly.
Administration's Trade Actions Post-Ruling
In response to the decision, the Trump administration pursued alternative measures:
- Invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act to implement a 10% global tariff on imports, effective for 150 days without Congressional extension.
- Opened Section 301 investigations into nearly 80 countries and economies for alleged unfair trade practices, including:
- China
- Japan
- India
- Mexico
- European Union These actions aim to generate revenue and address trade imbalances under different legal authorities.