'We Could Be A Third-World Country': Trump Fights Back After Court Ruling On Tariffs

Last Updated:September 03, 2025, 03:54 IST

Trump criticised the federal judges who ruled against his tariff policies, referring to them as members of a “very liberal court.”

Trump has maintained that imposing tariffs is essential to protecting American industries and jobs (Reuters File Image)

US President Donald Trump announced during his Oval Office address on Tuesday that he plans to request an “expedited ruling" from the US Supreme Court in an effort to overturn a recent decision by the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. The appeals court ruled that the majority of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on imported goods were illegal.

The ruling, issued on Friday in a 7–4 decision, stated that Trump did not have the authority to implement most of the tariffs without congressional approval. However, the court delayed the enforcement of its decision until October 14, allowing the administration time to appeal to the Supreme Court.

Trump strongly defended his use of tariffs, arguing that they are critical for maintaining the country’s economic strength. “If you take away tariffs, we could end up being a third-world country," Trump told reporters during the address. He emphasised that tariffs have driven foreign investment and manufacturing back into the United States, especially in the automotive sector.

Confirming his plan to escalate the legal battle, Trump said, “We’re going to be going to the Supreme Court, we think tomorrow, because we need an early decision." He added, “We’re going to be asking for early admittance … we’re going to ask for expedited, an expedited ruling," citing that the “financial fabric of our country" is at risk.

Trump criticised the federal judges who ruled against his tariff policies, referring to them as members of a “very liberal court." “Some whack job put in a lawsuit, it went before a very liberal court and the liberal court ruled…they ruled 7-4, with one of the most liberal of them all voting in our favour because they’re patriots," he said.

Despite his criticism of the judiciary, Trump singled out praise for an Obama-appointed judge who ruled in favour of the tariffs, saying he personally appreciated the decision.

Throughout his presidency, Trump has maintained that imposing tariffs is essential to protecting American industries and jobs. He reiterated on Tuesday that automakers from countries like China, Canada, and Mexico are now opening plants in the US to avoid tariffs, which he framed as a major economic victory.

Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

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