US President Donald Trump claims he can still levy tariffs in new forms after the Supreme Court struck down his global duties, as fresh trade probes begin.
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump declared he retains the “absolute right” to impose tariffs despite a recent Supreme Court ruling against his global duties.
He announced on his Truth Social platform that he has already begun charging tariffs “in another form” following the court’s decision last month.
Trump imposed a new 10% tariff on US imports via executive order shortly after the ruling. This move comes as Washington launched fresh trade investigations into 60 economies, including China, the EU and Japan.
The probes will examine alleged failures to address forced labour and whether their practices burden US commerce. Beijing’s commerce ministry condemned the investigations as “extremely unilateral, arbitrary and discriminatory.”
Chinese officials accused Washington of “attempting to construct trade barriers” and urged it to “immediately correct its erroneous ways.” The criticism emerged as US and Chinese trade officials began a two-day meeting in Paris.
In his social media post, Trump criticised the Supreme Court’s decision, suggesting it could cost the US “trillions of dollars.” He argued the court was giving advantage to countries that have taken advantage of the United States for decades.
Separately, Trump targeted federal judge James Boasberg for quashing subpoenas in a probe into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. He claimed the judge’s actions had “little to do with the Law, and everything to do with Politics.”
The president has repeatedly criticised Powell over the central bank’s interest rate policies. He has also sought to unseat Fed governor Lisa Cook over allegations of mortgage fraud.
In January, the Supreme Court appeared sceptical of Trump’s attempts to fire Cook. A majority of judges expressed doubts that the administration had shown sufficient cause for her removal.
Trump concluded his post by stating his obligation to “speak the TRUTH,” even if it caused him future problems. He described the court’s behaviour as hurting the country and not what the founders’ intentions.
The Sun Malaysia
