Trump raises US global tariff rate to 15%

President Donald Trump on Saturday increased the global tariff on imports into the United States to 15 percent, reaffirming his hardline trade stance just a day after the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that much of his tariff program was unlawful.

Posting on Truth Social, Trump said the administration had reviewed what he described as the court’s “extraordinarily anti-American decision” and would raise import duties “to the fully allowed, and legally tested, 15% level.”

Following the court’s 6-3 decision rejecting his use of a 1977 economic emergency powers law to impose tariffs, Trump had initially introduced a 10 percent global levy under a different legal authority.

He also sharply criticized the conservative justices who joined the majority, accusing them of “disloyalty” and labeling them “fools and lap dogs.”

The ruling marked a rare setback for Trump at the high court, which has largely ruled in his favor since his return to office, and struck down a central pillar of his economic agenda that has unsettled global trade.

Saturday’s move is likely to deepen uncertainty as Trump presses ahead with a trade strategy that has seen tariff rates imposed, revised, or withdrawn multiple times over the past year.

Under the law cited by the White House, the new tariff can remain in effect for up to 150 days. A White House fact sheet said exemptions would continue for sectors under separate investigations, including pharmaceuticals, as well as goods covered by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

The White House also indicated that countries which negotiated separate trade deals with Washington would still be subject to the new global tariff.

High court setback

The Supreme Court’s decision did not affect separate sector-specific tariffs imposed on steel, aluminum, and other products, nor ongoing investigations that could lead to additional duties.

Still, it represented Trump’s most significant loss at the high court in the 13 months since returning to the White House.

Trump praised Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Brett Kavanaugh — who voted to uphold his authority — thanking them for their “strength and wisdom.” He alleged that the six-justice majority, including two he appointed during his first term, had been influenced by foreign interests.

Wall Street shares rose modestly after the ruling, which had been widely anticipated. Business groups welcomed the decision, with the National Retail Federation saying it provided much-needed certainty for companies.

During court proceedings, the administration argued that businesses would be refunded if the tariffs were ultimately found unlawful, though the Supreme Court did not directly address that issue. Trump said litigation over refunds could stretch on for years, while Kavanaugh acknowledged the process might become “a mess.”

Several governments are reviewing both the ruling and Trump’s latest tariff announcement. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he would consult European allies to form a coordinated response before visiting Washington in early March.

At home, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro urged Trump to heed the court’s decision, end what he called chaotic tariffs, and ease pressure on farmers, small businesses, and families.