February 21, (THEWILL) — President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping 15% tariff on all imports into the United States following a 6-3 Supreme Court ruling that struck down his previous global tariffs as exceeding presidential authority.
The new levy, which takes effect Tuesday, February 24, represents the maximum allowed under a rarely used trade law and can remain in place for five months without congressional approval.
The Supreme Court had ruled on Friday that Trump’s original tariffs, enacted under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act, were beyond the scope of presidential powers.
The decision was supported by the court’s three liberal justices, Chief Justice John Roberts, and two Trump-appointed justices—Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch. Justices Clarence Thomas, Brett Kavanaugh, and Samuel Alito dissented.
Trump sharply criticized the ruling, calling it “ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily anti-American,” and described the justices who opposed his tariffs as “fools.”
He defended the new 15% levy as a central component of his economic strategy, aimed at encouraging domestic production and investment.
The revised tariffs will replace previously negotiated 10% rates with trading partners including the United Kingdom and Australia, raising questions about global trade relations.
Economic analysts warn that the move could heighten tensions with key U.S. allies while signaling Trump’s continued commitment to protectionist policies.
Congressional approval will be required to extend the tariffs beyond five months, setting up potential legislative and diplomatic negotiations in the coming months.
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