Former President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that his administration will seek an emergency hearing before the Supreme Court in an effort to overturn a federal appeals court ruling that deemed most of his tariffs illegal.
Speaking on CNN Radio with commentator Scott Jennings, Trump declared the matter an economic emergency, saying: “If we don’t win this ruling, you’re going to see consequences like never before.” He added that the official appeal would be filed on Wednesday.
A federal appeals court on Friday upheld a previous ruling by the Court of International Trade, concluding that Trump exceeded his authority by using emergency powers to impose broad tariffs. However, the court allowed the duties to remain in effect while the case proceeds through appeals.
Trump linked the legal uncertainty to the recent drop in stock markets, claiming from the Oval Office: “The market fell because the market needs tariffs. They want them.”
Meanwhile, other administration officials are preparing contingency plans. Treasury Secretary Scott Beasant said he’s confident the Supreme Court will uphold Trump’s use of the 1977 emergency law to justify the wide-ranging tariffs, but added that the administration is working on a backup plan in case the court rules otherwise.
In the midst of this legal uncertainty, Trump’s policy of reciprocal tariffs on dozens of U.S. trade partners faces renewed scrutiny, as shown in the chart below.
Regarding India, Trump firmly ruled out any plans to reduce tariffs on Indian imports, following the U.S. decision to double import duties to 50% in response to India’s purchase of Russian oil. When asked by a reporter whether any tariff relief was under consideration, Trump responded simply: “No.”
He escalated his criticism of U.S.-India trade relations, calling them heavily one-sided for decades. “It’s been a totally one-way disaster!” he posted on social media.
Trump’s remarks come as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi moves to strengthen ties with China and Russia amid deteriorating relations with the United States.
