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President Donald Trump on Sunday cautioned the Supreme Court that striking down his broad tariff authority would leave the United States economically vulnerable, arguing the move could push the nation toward “Third World status.”
The Supreme Court is expected to hear a case this week that could determine the scope of presidential power to impose tariffs without congressional approval.
President Trump has used that authority aggressively, imposing sweeping “Liberation Day” tariffs on nearly every country shortly after taking office as part of a campaign to overhaul global trade. He has since announced trade agreements with the United Kingdom, European Union, Japan, South Korea and other partners.
“Next week’s Case on Tariffs is one of the most important in the History of the Country,” Trump said in a Truth Social post. “If a President is not allowed to use Tariffs, we will be at a major disadvantage against all other Countries throughout the World, especially the ‘Majors.’”
“In a true sense, we would be defenseless! Tariffs have brought us Great Wealth and National Security in the nine months that I have had the Honor to serve as President. The Stock Market has hit All Time Highs many times during my short time in Office, with virtually No Inflation, and National Security that is second to none,” he added.
“In a true sense, we would be defenseless! Tariffs have brought us Great Wealth and National Security in the nine months that I have had the Honor to serve as President,” he continued, crediting his tariff strategy for recent trade deals.
Trump argued that limiting executive power to impose tariffs would undermine the country’s ability to respond quickly to economic threats. “If a President was not able to quickly and nimbly use the power of Tariffs, we would be defenseless, leading perhaps even to the ruination of our Nation,” he said.
He accused foreign governments of opposing his policies because they “have taken advantage of us” for years and claimed Democrats also oppose his stance “because our numbers are insurmountably good.”
President Trump closed his remarks with a stark warning about the potential consequences of the ruling. “If we win, we will be the Richest, Most Secure Country anywhere in the World, BY FAR. If we lose, our Country could be reduced to almost Third World status — Pray to God that that doesn’t happen!”