Trump Pledges 15% Global Tariff After SCOTUS Ruling

WASHINGTON, United States

President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose a sweeping 15 percent global tariff on imports, escalating trade tensions just days after a landmark ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States limited the administration’s ability to use emergency powers to set tariffs.

The move comes in response to the Court’s decision in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, which determined that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not grant the president independent authority to impose tariffs. The ruling effectively blocked tariffs previously justified under national emergency powers and reaffirmed that Congress holds primary authority over trade duties.

Within hours of the decision, Trump signaled he would pursue alternative legal pathways to maintain his trade agenda. The administration first announced a 10 percent global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, a provision allowing temporary trade measures to address balance-of-payments concerns. The following day, officials confirmed the rate would be raised to the legal maximum of 15 percent.

According to administration officials, the tariff will apply broadly to imports from major trading partners, including Canada, Mexico, China, and several European nations. The White House has framed the measure as necessary to protect American industries, reduce trade imbalances, and strengthen the country’s negotiating position in future trade talks.

Economists say the policy could have wide-ranging effects on global markets, potentially increasing costs for businesses that rely on imported goods while offering short-term protection for some domestic manufacturers. Analysts note that although the new rate sounds aggressive, it is in some cases lower than earlier tariffs imposed under emergency authority that are now blocked by the Court’s decision.

Section 122 allows the president to impose tariffs for up to 150 days unless Congress votes to extend them, setting up a potential political battle on Capitol Hill. Lawmakers from both parties are expected to scrutinize the measure closely, with some raising concerns about consumer prices and possible retaliation from trading partners.

Legal experts describe the Supreme Court’s ruling as a significant clarification of presidential power, reinforcing limits on the use of emergency economic laws for trade policy. The decision is likely to shape how future administrations approach tariffs and could lead to additional legal challenges if new measures are introduced.

For now, the administration appears determined to press ahead, arguing that tariffs remain a key tool for reshaping trade relationships and supporting domestic production. With global markets watching closely, the coming weeks are expected to bring intense negotiations, political debate, and renewed focus on the balance of power between Congress and the presidency over U.S. trade policy.

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