Donald Trump has increased blanket tariffs on US imports to 15 percent, just a day after the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that he lacked constitutional authority to impose sweeping levies under emergency powers.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the new rate would take effect immediately, calling the court’s 6-3 decision “anti-American.” The ruling found that tariffs introduced under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act were unconstitutional, as the power to tax rests with Congress.

Hours after the decision, Trump invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to reinstate a 10 percent global tariff. On Saturday, he raised it to the maximum 15 percent allowed under that statute. The measure is temporary and can remain in place for 150 days unless extended by lawmakers.

According to Al Jazeera, the court’s decision marks a significant setback to Trump’s trade agenda and could trigger prolonged legal disputes over refunds for the estimated $133bn already collected under the blocked tariffs.

The White House said exemptions would apply to certain goods, including critical minerals, energy products and items covered under the US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. However, analysts warn the move may deepen global trade tensions and invite further court challenges.

Several governments, including Germany, said they were reviewing the implications of both the ruling and the new tariff order.

BOB Post