‘Far more powers than before’: Trump suggests using other 'more powerful, obnoxious' tariffs after US SC setback
Times of India
by TOI BUSINESS DESKFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
US President Donald Trump has criticized the Supreme Court for striking down most of his tariffs, calling the court "incompetent" and "ridiculous." In a recent statement on Truth Social, Trump claimed that the ruling inadvertently granted him greater powers, including the ability to use licensing tools in trade policy. He suggested that this could allow him to impose more powerful and obnoxious tariffs in the future.
The Supreme Court's decision invalidated Trump's use of emergency tariffs under Section 232 of U.S. law, which he had previously used to justify imposing tariffs on imports such as steel and aluminum. While Trump initially framed the ruling as a victory, he argued that it opened the door for alternative trade mechanisms. He emphasized that the court's decision left intact other pathways for tariffs, which could now be deployed "in a much more powerful and obnoxious way, with legal certainty."
Trump also criticized the Supreme Court for what he described as its failure to uphold U.S. sovereignty in international trade negotiations. He suggested that the ruling could have broader implications, including potential challenges to birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Trump argued that the amendment was not intended to grant citizenship to the children of enslaved individuals, a claim he tied to the timing of its ratification following the Civil War.
The president's comments reflect his ongoing efforts to assert executive authority in trade policy, even as courts and Congress question the legality of his actions. His rhetoric appears to be an attempt to rally support among his base while positioning himself as a strong leader who will stand up to foreign competition, particularly against China, which he has frequently targeted.
This development highlights the ongoing tension between the executive branch and the judiciary in the U.S., as well as Trump's broader strategy of using trade policy as a tool for political leverage. The implications of his comments suggest that the administration may continue to pursue aggressive trade measures, potentially sparking further conflicts with international partners and allies.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/23/2026