US President Donald Trump on Saturday reiterated that all tariffs on foreign imports will remain in place, dismissing a US appeals court ruling that deemed many of his trade measures illegal. The court, however, allowed the tariffs to stay in effect temporarily, giving the White House time to appeal to the Supreme Court.
Taking to his Truth Social platform, Trump doubled down on his aggressive trade stance, warning that any rollback of tariffs would be “a total disaster for the country.”
“ALL TARIFFS ARE STILL IN EFFECT! Today a Highly Partisan Appeals Court incorrectly said that our Tariffs should be removed, but they know the United States of America will win in the end,” Trump wrote.
“If these Tariffs ever went away, it would make us financially weak, and we have to be strong.”
Trump’s Defense of Tariffs
Trump argued that tariffs are essential for protecting American manufacturers, farmers, and workers against what he described as “enormous trade deficits and unfair barriers” imposed by other nations. He described tariffs as a key tool to advance his “Made in America” vision, declaring:
“For many years, Tariffs were allowed to be used against us by our uncaring and unwise Politicians. Now, with the help of the United States Supreme Court, we will use them to the benefit of our Nation, and Make America Rich, Strong, and Powerful Again!”
Administration’s Legal Position
Just hours before the appeals court verdict, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick filed a supplementary argument warning that overturning the tariffs could damage US foreign policy and national security, derail negotiations with allies, and provoke retaliation from trading partners.
“Such a ruling would threaten broader US strategic interests at home and abroad,” Lutnick said, adding it could also “derail critical ongoing negotiations” with foreign governments.
The Tariff Regime
Since returning to the White House seven months ago, Trump has reshaped the global trade order, using tariffs as leverage against countries unwilling to accept what he calls “fair” trade deals.
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On April 2, 2025, Trump announced “reciprocal taxes” of up to 50% on imports from countries with which the US runs trade deficits.
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A baseline tariff of 10% was imposed on nearly all other countries.
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Invoking a 1977 emergency law, Trump declared the US trade deficit a national security issue, giving legal cover to sweeping import taxes.
Although some countries eventually caved to US demands during the 90-day negotiation window, others resisted — facing harsher tariffs in return.
