Trump says he's 'ashamed' of some justices after U.S. Supreme Court strikes down many of his tariffs

ruff speaks after U.S. Sublime margaret court strikes shoot down tariffs imposed under emergency powers law

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Trump is speaking now, responding to the 6-3 ruling. He said the decision is "deeply disappointing and I'm ashamed of certain members of the court." 

He also offered praise to the three dissenting justices.

Now that the U.S. Supreme Court has made its decision, Canada’s real priority is protecting exemptions under CUSMA, write RBC economists Claire Fan and Nathan Janzen.

Compared to the U.S.'s other trading partners (including Mexico, the U.K., South Korea, Japan and China), Canada was the least exposed to the IEEPA tariffs, according to data compiled by RBC. 

In fact, the economists wrote, "89 [per cent] of Canadian exports to the U.S. In December were not charged with tariffs because they’re compliant with rules of origin requirements in CUSMA."

That's why maintaining free trade — as Canada, the U.S. And Mexico renegotiate the agreement — "remains more important for Canada's external demand outlook than court rulings," they wrote.

Ahead of Trump's reaction, LeBlanc extolled one one of the Carney government's key promises: diversifying its trading relationships and be less dependent on the U.S. Market  

"We'll see ultimately what the American government does. But we remain very serene and very focused on the work we need to do." 

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called the U.S. Court decision "a step in the right direction."

He also said he expects lumber, aluminum, steel and auto tariffs to be lifted during the upcoming CUSMA review.

"Anything less than this means our workers will continue to suffer," he wrote on social media.

"Prime Minister Carney promised to negotiate a win and get a deal by July 21 of last year. U.S. Tariffs on Canada have gotten worse."

While the Opposition leader said "no one can control what President Trump will say or do," it's on Canada to focus on what it can control.

"Our mission must be an affordable, safe and self-reliant Canada," Poilievre said. 

The ruling is a "welcome development" for small businesses on both sides of the border, said Dan Kelly, president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.

But it’s "likely that other tariff and trade tools may be used to accomplish the same end," Kelly said.

"While we should not expect the administration to end its efforts to impose tariffs, this decision may help sway other U.S. Political leaders against this harmful approach as both countries review the CUSMA agreement. While uncertainty continues, this is a good day for Canadian businesses."

There goes the weekend for government trade lawyers.

LeBlanc said lawyers in Ottawa and Washington are poring over the decision, in part, to see if it could impact a potential challenge to the Section 232 tariffs — although he noted that during Trump's first term, the Canadian government was advised that the legal basis for sectoral tariffs is different than reciprocal ones. 

"Obviously that advice will be updated with this Supreme Court [decision]," he told Power & Politics. "And I look forward to seeing that, hopefully on the weekend."

An interesting passage in the Supreme Court ruling comes from Justice Neil Gorsuch, a conservative appointed by Trump in 2017. 

In concurring with the 6-3 ruling striking down the tariffs, Gorsuch weighs in on why tariffs and taxes are the responsibility of Congress rather than the president. 

It reads like a pretty strong rebuke of Trump. 

"Most major decisions affecting the rights and responsibilities of the American people … are funnelled through the legislative process for a reason," Gorsuch writes. 

"Through that process, the nation can tap the combined wisdom of the people's elected representatives, not just that of one faction or man," he continues.  

In Congress, "deliberation tempers impulse" and the enduring nature of the laws it passes allows Americans "to plan their lives in ways they cannot when the rules shift from day to day," says Gorsuch. 

The conservative justice also predicts "the day will come when those disappointed by today's result will appreciate the legislative process for the bulwark of liberty it is." 

Trump's actions have left a lasting mark on Canada's trade with the U.S.

Trade data from Statistics Canada clearly shows the tariff impact, with imports falling in December to the lowest level in at least 23 months. Exports reached a low point in November.

Unsurprisingly, the ruling is eliciting a range of reactions from U.S. Lawmakers. Here are two Democrats reacting, followed by three Republicans.

Sen. Patty Murray of Washington: "No doubt the President will throw an online tantrum about this shortly, but small businesses everywhere are breathing a sigh of relief. Trump's erratic tariff regime did real damage, pushed so many to the brink of closure, and drove up prices for everyone."

Rep. Ted Lieu of California: "Dear @WhiteHouse: Cry harder … You must pay back to all the American businesses the amount of the illegal tariffs that Trump imposed."

Sen. Bernie Moreno of Ohio: "SCOTUS’s outrageous ruling handcuffs our fight against unfair trade that has devastated American workers for decades....This betrayal must be reversed and Republicans must get to work immediately on a reconciliation bill to codify the tariffs that had made our country the hottest country on earth!"

Rep. Carlos Giménez of Florida: "The countries that think they’re off the hook are SADLY mistaken! President Trump has MANY options to impose decisive economic action against rogue regimes!"

Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska: "The Constitution's checks and balances still work. Article One gives tariff authority to Congress. This was a common-sense and straightforward ruling by the Supreme Court."

The U.S. President will hold a news briefing this afternoon, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via the social media platform X.

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