Trump Backstabbed By Close Allies

President Trump sharply criticized the Supreme Court on Friday after a majority of justices struck down his sweeping tariff policy, saying he was “ashamed of certain members of the court” — including two he appointed during his first term.

Speaking at a White House press briefing following the 6–3 decision, Trump accused the majority of acting against the country’s interests. “They’re very unpatriotic and disloyal to our Constitution,” he said, arguing that the court had been influenced by foreign interests and a political movement he described as small but impactful.

The president reserved praise for the three dissenting justices — Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Brett Kavanaugh — thanking them for what he called their “strength and wisdom and love of our country.” Trump nominated Kavanaugh during his first term and has frequently cited his judicial appointments as a cornerstone of his presidency.

The ruling rejected Trump’s expanded use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs on nearly every country. The 1977 law allows a president to regulate economic transactions during a declared national emergency tied to an “unusual and extraordinary” threat. Trump had relied on the statute to levy tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, arguing that fentanyl trafficking constituted a national security crisis.

Justices Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett — both Trump nominees — joined Chief Justice John Roberts and the court’s three liberal justices in concluding that Trump’s use of emergency powers in this instance exceeded the authority granted by Congress.

The president dismissed speculation that Thomas or Alito might retire before the end of his term, which could give him another opportunity to shape the court. “They’re great justices. That’s all I can say,” Trump said. “I hope they stay healthy. They’re great people.”

At the same time, Trump openly criticized Gorsuch and Barrett for siding with the majority, calling the decision “terrible” and suggesting it was “an embarrassment to their families” when asked whether he regretted nominating them.

Pressed on whether the justices were invited to his upcoming State of the Union address, Trump responded that they were — “barely.” He added that he did not particularly care whether they attended.

Despite the setback, Trump signaled he would move forward with new trade actions. During the briefing, he announced plans to impose a universal 10 percent tariff and to launch investigations that could pave the way for additional import taxes on a range of countries and goods. He emphasized that other tariffs on metals and various imports — which were not part of the Supreme Court case — would remain in place.

“In order to protect our country, a president can actually charge more tariffs than I was charging,” Trump said, adding that his administration could rely on other statutory authorities to pursue its trade agenda as the legal battle over executive power continues.