President Donald Trump warned Monday that the United States would be “screwed” if the Supreme Court rules against his administration in a case challenging tariffs imposed under emergency powers, as the justices prepare to release more opinions this week.
In a post on Truth Social, President Trump argued that an adverse ruling could force the government to unwind tariff collections and face massive repayment claims. He said refunds could run into “many Hundreds of Billions of Dollars” and suggested the total could rise much higher once companies’ and foreign governments’ investment decisions are considered.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to issue opinions Wednesday, though it does not announce decisions in advance and could rule in the tariffs dispute later. SCOTUSblog reported the court has indicated it may release opinions that day.
The case, Learning Resources v. Trump, asks whether the International Emergency Economic Powers Act authorizes the president to impose tariffs. In early November, the court heard arguments. Several justices asked if the 1977 law could be used to encompass a wide range of tariff policies.
Chief Justice John Roberts said during oral arguments that IEEPA had never been invoked to justify tariffs before. Justice Neil Gorsuch asked how far executive power could go if the law were construed to enable it.
Any ruling against the administration could trigger a complex refund fight. If the administration loses, it could start a complicated struggle over refunds. Reuters reports that importers are getting ready for lawsuits and administrative fights over refunds, with estimates of over $150 billion in disputed tariff collections.
