Trump Raises Tariffs to Highest Level Yet, Vows to Outlast Court Challenges

Refusing to be stopped by a Supreme Court ruling, President Trump announced Saturday a 15% tariff on imports from all nations, the highest universal rate of his presidency, and pledged that his administration would continue pursuing legally durable trade barriers throughout the 150-day window the new authority provides.
The announcement came less than 24 hours after the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs was unconstitutional. Trump immediately turned to Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows up to 15% tariffs for 150 days before congressional approval is required. No president has ever previously invoked this provision.
The president did not hide his anger at the court. He called the ruling “ridiculous” and “extraordinarily anti-American,” and directed particularly bitter attacks at Justices Barrett and Gorsuch, who he said were “barely” welcome at next week’s State of the Union address. He singled out dissenters Kavanaugh, Thomas, and Alito for praise.
For the UK, which had negotiated a distinct 10% tariff arrangement, the new baseline raises fresh and uncomfortable questions. British trade officials warned the hike would damage business confidence and weaken global economic momentum. Germany and France also voiced strong concern, with Chancellor Merz calling tariff uncertainty “poison” and Macron reaffirming the value of judicial independence.
Exemptions apply to critical minerals, metals, pharmaceuticals, and USMCA-compliant goods. Sector-specific tariffs on steel, aluminum, lumber, and autos are unaffected. Research consistently shows that US consumers bear roughly 90% of tariff costs — a burden that will grow heavier as the new rate kicks in.