'I'm Allowed To Destroy Trade But Can’t Charge $1': Trump Rips Into Supreme Court Tariff Ruling

Last Updated:February 21, 2026, 08:47 IST

Trump criticised the US SC for blocking tariffs under IEEPA, announced a new 10 per cent global tariff, and said US-India trade ties would remain unchanged despite the ruling.

US President Donald Trump sharply criticised the US Supreme Court on Friday after it overturned his administration’s reciprocal tariffs, arguing that the judgment prevents him from imposing even a minimal levy on foreign nations. Just hours after the ruling, he unveiled a new 10 per cent “global tariff" covering all US trading partners.

Speaking to reporters, Trump questioned the logic of the court’s decision, saying it barred him from charging “even $1" under the Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the statute his administration had relied upon to introduce the tariffs in April.

Trump Calls Top Court Ruling ‘Ridiculous’

“To show you how ridiculous the opinion is, however, the court said that I’m not allowed to charge even $1. I can’t charge $1… Can’t charge $1 to any country under IEEPA. Not $1," the US president said.

The court’s move effectively nullified one of the cornerstone trade measures of his policy agenda.

Trump contended that the judgment created an inconsistency by restricting limited tariffs while still permitting sweeping trade actions. He argued that although he could legally sever trade ties entirely or impose a full embargo on a country, he was being blocked from levying even a nominal duty.

“But I am allowed to cut off any and all trade or business with that same country. In other words, I can destroy the trade. I can destroy the country. I’m even allowed to impose a foreign country-destroying embargo. I can embargo. I can do anything I want, but I can’t charge $1," the Republican leader said.

He suggested the ruling appeared designed to shield foreign nations rather than safeguard US interests.

“I assume, [the court’s order is] to protect other countries. This must have been done to protect those other countries. Certainly not the United States of America, which they should be interested in protecting," he said.

Trump Vows Alternatives, Says They Generate Even Greater Returns

Despite the legal setback, Trump signalled he would pursue alternative mechanisms to maintain tariff pressure. He claimed the earlier measures had brought in “hundreds of billions of dollars" in revenue and said substitute options could potentially generate even greater returns.

“Other alternatives will now be used to replace the ones that the court incorrectly rejected. We have alternatives. Could be more money, we will take in more money… We have taken in hundreds of billions of dollars. We will continue to do so, he remarked.

Trump On India-US Ties

On US-India trade ties, Trump said the court’s decision would not affect the existing arrangement. He maintained that under the current understanding, India would continue paying tariffs while the US would not. White House officials later indicated that countries with trade agreements, including India, would temporarily face a 10 percent tariff rate until revised terms are finalised.

“Nothing changes. They will be paying tariffs and we will not be paying tariffs. The deal with India is they pay the tariffs. This is a reversal from what it used to be," he said.

Within hours of the court’s verdict, Trump announced that he had signed a new 10 per cent global tariff on imports from all countries, seeking to preserve his sweeping trade agenda. Trump said in a post on Truth Social that he had signed the order from the Oval Office.

“It is my Great Honor to have just signed, from the Oval Office, a Global 10% Tariff on all Countries, which will be effective almost immediately," Trump wrote.

News world 'I'm Allowed To Destroy Trade But Can’t Charge $1': Trump Rips Into Supreme Court Tariff Ruling

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