Washington: US President Donald Trump has doubled down on his controversial tariff policy, vowing to push ahead with broad trade duties regardless of how the Supreme Court ultimately rules on their legality. Speaking at a campaign-style event in Clive, Iowa, Trump struck a defiant tone as the country’s top court continues to weigh a challenge that could reshape his trade agenda.
Trump expressed optimism that the Supreme Court would side with his administration, while sharply criticising judges who have previously blocked his tariff measures. He suggested that opposition to the tariffs stemmed from what he described as pro-China and foreign-aligned interests within the judicial system.
“I want to believe the Supreme Court will do the right thing,” Trump told supporters, adding that earlier rulings against his policies were influenced by individuals sympathetic to foreign governments.
However, the president made it clear that an unfavourable verdict would not derail his plans. According to Trump, his administration is prepared to explore alternative legal pathways to keep tariffs in place if necessary.
“We’re going to make it happen,” he said. “If it can’t be done this way, we’ll do it another way. Either way, it’s getting done.”
Trump also defended the economic impact of the tariffs, claiming they have generated enormous revenue for the United States. He asserted that the influx of funds from foreign imports has surprised other nations, which he said are now closely examining America’s trade strategy.
“We’re bringing in staggering amounts of money,” he said. “Countries around the world didn’t think this was possible. They’re watching, they’re studying it, but they can’t copy it.”
His remarks came shortly after the Supreme Court issued several decisions on January 20, though it stopped short of delivering a verdict in the closely watched tariff case. The court offered no timeline for when it might take up the matter, consistent with its practice of not pre-announcing decisions.
Reacting to the delay, Trump admitted uncertainty about how the justices might rule. He warned that a loss could force the federal government to refund vast sums already collected through tariffs, a move he said would have serious consequences.
“If that happens, you’re talking about giving back hundreds of billions of dollars,” Trump said, arguing that such a scenario would be difficult to manage without causing harm.
While the Supreme Court has yet to rule, lower courts have already raised doubts about the legality of Trump’s sweeping tariff framework. The ongoing legal uncertainty continues to cast a shadow over the future of the administration’s trade policies, even as Trump signals he has no intention of backing down.
