Reuters / SCOTUS
(Washington, DC) – President Donald Trump sharply criticized the U.S. Supreme Court on Friday, suggesting without providing evidence that foreign interests may have influenced the justices’ decision to strike down key tariffs imposed under his administration.
Speaking at a press conference following the Court’s ruling invalidating his use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to enact sweeping tariffs, Trump questioned the motives behind the 6–3 decision.
“It’s my opinion that the court has been swayed by foreign interests and a political movement that is far smaller than people would think,” Trump said at the outset of his remarks. “It’s a small movement. I won by millions of votes. We won in a landslide… Too big to rig. But these people are obnoxious, ignorant, and loud. And I think certain justices are afraid of that. They don’t want to do the right thing.”
The Supreme Court ruled earlier Friday that the Constitution grants Congress — not the executive branch — the authority to levy taxes, including tariffs, limiting the president’s ability to use emergency powers to implement broad trade measures.
During the question-and-answer portion of the press conference, a reporter asked Trump to clarify his allegation about foreign influence over the Court.
“Well, I think that foreign interests are represented by people that I believe have undue influence,” Trump responded. “They have a lot of influence over the Supreme Court, whether it’s through fear, or respect, or friendships — I don’t know.”
He went on to say, “I know some of the people that were involved on the other side, and I don’t like them. I think they’re real slimeballs.”
Trump also expressed support for Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Brett Kavanaugh, who dissented in the ruling.
When pressed by another reporter on whether he had evidence to support claims of foreign corruption or influence, Trump replied: “You’re gonna find out, you’re gonna find out.”
The White House has not released additional documentation backing the president’s assertions. Legal experts note that allegations of foreign influence over the Supreme Court are serious and would require substantial evidence.
The decision marks a significant legal setback for Trump’s trade agenda, though the administration has indicated it is exploring alternative statutory pathways to pursue new tariffs.
