WASHINGTON - The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that many of the tariffs implemented by President Donald Trump over the past year are illegal, creating a tense backdrop for his State of the Union address. According to reports, the court determined on Friday that tariffs constitute a tax and therefore cannot be imposed without Congressional approval.
The ruling, which saw six of the nine justices voting against the administration's position, has created significant political problems for Trump ahead of the fall elections. In response to the decision, Trump reportedly called the justices who voted against him 'fools' and 'left-wing lapdogs,' and criticized the two justices he appointed as 'a shame to their families.'
left-wing lapdogs
The timing of the ruling set the stage for what was expected to be a dramatic face-to-face encounter during the State of the Union address, where Supreme Court justices traditionally attend and sit in the congressional chamber. The decision adds to existing tensions between the executive and judicial branches.
Trump's address was anticipated to focus on economic achievements, immigration, and new economic initiatives, but the Supreme Court's tariff ruling threatened to overshadow his agenda. The president has been promoting his economic record, claiming the U.S. has 'the greatest economic activity ever' and promising a 'golden era' for America.
a shame to their families
The tariff ruling represents a significant legal setback for the administration's trade policies and comes amid declining poll numbers for Trump as Americans grapple with inflation and high food prices.
the greatest economic activity ever
golden era