President Donald Trump publicly criticized two Supreme Court justices he appointed—Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett—following a ruling that struck down his tariff policies. The president made the remarks during a National Republican Congressional Committee fundraising dinner on Wednesday, calling the justices' decision "sickening" and claiming it cost the U.S. "hundreds of billions of dollars."
Core Facts
The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 on February 20 in Learning Resources Inc. v. Trump, blocking the president's use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs. Chief Justice John Roberts, along with Gorsuch and Barrett, joined the majority, while Trump's other appointee, Justice Brett Kavanaugh, dissented. The ruling stated the president lacks unilateral authority to impose tariffs under IEEPA.
Deeper Context
The decision required the U.S. to refund up to $165 billion in tariffs paid by importers. Trump argued the ruling undermined his economic policies, while the majority opinion emphasized the legal limits of presidential powers. The administration has since sought alternative revenue sources to replace lost tariff income.
Political Reactions
Trump's criticism of Gorsuch and Barrett marks a rare public rebuke of his own appointees. The remarks highlight tensions between the executive and judicial branches over economic policy. Legal analysts note the ruling reinforces checks on presidential emergency powers, while Trump allies argue it weakens national economic leverage.