Trump Raises Tariffs, Praises Dissenters and Brands Majority Justices “Unpatriotic”

President Trump reserved high praise for three Supreme Court justices and blistering contempt for six others Saturday, as he simultaneously announced a 15% global tariff to replace the one the court had just struck down. The unprecedented combination of legal maneuvering and judicial criticism marked a dramatic new chapter in his presidency.
The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 Friday that Trump’s IEEPA-based tariff regime was unconstitutional, requiring congressional authorization he had not sought. Trump responded by invoking Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows up to 15% tariffs for 150 days before Congress must approve continuation. He praised dissenters Kavanaugh, Thomas, and Alito as courageous and patriotic.
For the six justices in the majority, Trump’s words were far harsher. He described them as “fools and lapdogs,” called his own appointees Barrett and Gorsuch “an embarrassment to their families,” and suggested they were “barely” invited to the upcoming State of the Union address. He accused them all of being unpatriotic and disloyal to the Constitution.
International partners were dismayed. Germany’s Chancellor Merz said he would fly to Washington with a common European position, calling tariff unpredictability economic poison. France’s Macron defended the court system as a pillar of democratic governance and said fair trade must be based on reciprocity, not executive decree.
The UK faces renewed uncertainty after agreeing to a 10% rate now effectively superseded. British trade leaders warned of damage to businesses and consumers worldwide. With 90% of the $130 billion in collected tariffs already borne by American companies and households, the new 15% rate promises a heavier load ahead.