Supreme Court Undercuts Presidential Trade Authority

Presidents are meant to lead on trade and protect our economy, not unelected judges. The Supreme Court of the United States recently blocked a key tariff tool used by President Donald Trump, undercutting executive authority at a critical moment for American workers and businesses.

This ruling is deeply disappointing. Chief Justice John Roberts, along with Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch, sided with the Court’s left wing. I am grateful that Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Brett Kavanaugh stood firm in recognizing the President’s lawful authority.

I agree with the President when he said, “The Supreme Court’s ruling on tariffs is deeply disappointing, and I’m ashamed of certain members of the court—absolutely ashamed—for not having the courage to do what’s right for our country… Democrats on the court are thrilled, but they will automatically vote no… they’re against anything that makes America, strong, healthy, and Great Again.”

After 30 years of globalization and offshoring, America lost too many factories and farms. We now rely heavily on foreign imports for goods critical to our prosperity and even our survival.

The result?

A $1.2 TRILLION goods trade deficit in 2024

This imbalance is not sustainable.

Fortunately, the President still has tools available.

In response, President Trump invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, imposing a:

 10% universal baseline tariff
 Effective for 150 days

This action directly addresses America’s fundamental international payment imbalance. A nation cannot finance endless consumption through debt. The current account deficit, driven largely by trade, highlights the urgency:

• 2024 current account deficit: –4.0% of GDP

• Nearly double pre-pandemic norms

• Largest share-of-GDP deficit since 2008

President Trump’s trade strategy is already delivering results. Since reciprocal tariffs were imposed (April–December 2025):

• The goods trade deficit declined 17%
• Manufacturing is rebounding: January industrial production rose 0.7%
• Reversing Biden-era manufacturing declines

America is producing AGAIN.

America must restore its industrial strength and reduce dangerous trade imbalances. President Trump is acting decisively to protect U.S. workers, rebuild domestic production, and defend long-term economic security.

I will continue fighting to ensure that trade policy serves the American people — not foreign competitors or activist courts.