August M
Donald Trump has issued a stark warning about the financial risks facing the United States as the Supreme Court weighs a pivotal ruling on trade policy.
The president said the outcome could have sweeping consequences for the economy and America’s global position.
According to UNILAD, Trump made the comments as uncertainty grows over whether the court will uphold his authority to impose wide-ranging tariffs.
High court stakes
The Supreme Court is considering a case that would either reaffirm or limit the president’s power over trade measures.
At the centre of the dispute are global tariffs introduced by Trump last year.
The policy was challenged in court after critics argued the measures went beyond presidential authority.
Lower courts ruled against the government, sending the case to the Supreme Court for a final decision.
UNILAD reported that no ruling was issued when the court was expected to respond last week.
Trump’s warning
Trump addressed the issue directly in a post on his Truth Social platform.
He said the financial consequences of losing the case could be vast.
“The actual numbers that we would have to pay back if, for any reason, the Supreme Court were to rule against the United States of America on Tariffs, would be many Hundreds of Billions of Dollars,” he wrote.
“When these Investments are added we are talking about trillions of dollars! It would be a complete mess, and almost impossible for our Country to pay.”
Trump added that such repayments could stretch over years and be extremely difficult to calculate.
“Remember, when America shines brightly, the World shines brightly,” he said, concluding: “WE’RE SCREWED!”
Emergency powers used
Since beginning his second term, Trump has relied on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 to impose tariffs.
The law allows presidents to take economic action during declared national emergencies.
Trump invoked the act after declaring a national emergency over US trade deficits.
The tariffs targeted more than $150 billion in imports from countries including China, India, Canada and the European Union, UNILAD reported.
The White House framed the measures as “reciprocal” tariffs designed to promote fairer trade and boost domestic manufacturing.
Legal and economic fallout
The scale of the tariffs prompted criticism from businesses, consumers and foreign allies.
Opponents also questioned Trump’s decision to bypass Congress when implementing the policy.
More than 1,000 lawsuits have reportedly been filed against the government since the tariffs were introduced.
The US Court of International Trade ruled the measures illegal in May 2025, a decision later upheld by the Federal Circuit.
The Supreme Court’s ruling is now expected to determine whether the policy survives.
Sources: UNILAD
