President says alternative statutes provide stronger footing following high court setback.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
President Donald Trump announced Friday that he will impose a 10 percent global tariff under a separate statutory authority after the Supreme Court ruled that his administration could not rely on emergency powers to implement sweeping duties.
Speaking at a press briefing on Feb. 20, Trump said, “Today, I will sign an order to impose a 10 percent global tariff under Section 122, over and above our normal tariffs already being charged.”
The announcement follows a Supreme Court decision overturning the administration’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose broad tariffs. The Court held that IEEPA does not provide clear congressional authorization for tariff-setting authority, concluding that such power rests primarily with Congress.
Trump criticized the ruling during his remarks, calling it “deeply disappointing” and stating he was “ashamed” of some members of the Court.
“I’m ashamed of certain members of the court—absolutely ashamed for not having the courage to do what’s right for our country,” the president said.
He added that his administration would now move forward under alternative trade statutes “to replace the ones that the court incorrectly rejected.”
Section 122 of the Trade Act allows the president to impose temporary tariffs of up to 15 percent to address “large and serious” balance-of-payments deficits. Such tariffs may remain in place for up to 150 days unless extended by Congress.
In addition to Section 122, Trump referenced Sections 201 and 301 of the Trade Act and Section 388 of the Tariff Act of 1930 as potential tools.
“The good news is that there are methods, practices, statutes, and authorities, as recognized by the entire court in this terrible decision, and also recognized by Congress, which they refer to, that are even stronger than the IEEPA tariffs available to me as president of the United States,” Trump said.
The Supreme Court’s ruling limits the use of emergency economic powers for broad tariff actions but does not restrict authorities explicitly delegated by Congress under other trade statutes. Administration officials have indicated that trade policy will continue under those alternative frameworks.
Further details on the scope and implementation timeline of the new 10 percent tariff are expected following the signing of the order.
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