Trump warns court ruling against tariffs could “destroy the United States”

Former President Donald Trump on Friday escalated his defense of his trade policies, warning that a federal appeals court ruling striking down most of his tariffs would have catastrophic consequences if allowed to stand.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump claimed the decision “would literally destroy the United States of America,” framing the outcome as an existential threat to the country’s economy. The strongly worded statement came just hours after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled in a 7-4 decision that Trump exceeded his authority by imposing sweeping tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

Trump’s Stakes in the Tariff Fight

The tariffs, which Trump had defended as central to his “America First” trade agenda, have reshaped global commerce and generated an estimated $500 billion in annual revenue for the U.S. government. They applied broadly to imports from China, Mexico, Canada, and other nations, under Trump’s argument that such duties were necessary to protect national security and curb fentanyl trafficking.

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By portraying the ruling as a potential disaster, Trump is signaling both the economic and political stakes as the issue heads toward an expected Supreme Court appeal. “If these Tariffs ever went away, it would be a total disaster for the Country,” Trump wrote, expressing confidence that the high court would ultimately back him.

ALL TARIFFS ARE STILL IN EFFECT! Today a Highly Partisan Appeals Court incorrectly said that our Tariffs should be removed, but they know the United States of America will win in the end. If these Tariffs ever went away, it would be a total disaster for the Country. It would make us financially weak, and we have to be strong. The U.S.A. will no longer tolerate enormous Trade Deficits and unfair Tariffs and Non Tariff Trade Barriers imposed by other Countries, friend or foe, that undermine our Manufacturers, Farmers, and everyone else. If allowed to stand, this Decision would literally destroy the United States of America. At the start of this Labor Day weekend, we should all remember that TARIFFS are the best tool to help our Workers, and support Companies that produce great MADE IN AMERICA products. For many years, Tariffs were allowed to be used against us by our uncaring and unwise Politicians. Now, with the help of the United States Supreme Court, we will use them to the benefit of our Nation, and Make America Rich, Strong, and Powerful Again! Thank you for your attention to this matter.

What Comes Next

The appeals court paused enforcement of its ruling until October 14, giving Trump’s legal team time to petition the Supreme Court. If the decision is upheld, it would mark a sweeping rollback of one of Trump’s most defining economic policies, raising questions about the limits of presidential power in trade policy.

For now, Trump’s tariffs remain in effect — but his warning underscores the sharp divide between his administration and the judiciary over how far executive authority can stretch in the realm of international commerce.