Following a recent Supreme Court ruling that declared his 'Liberation Day' tariffs illegal, President Donald Trump has publicly criticized the justices, labeling them as 'idiots' and 'lapdogs,' and has swiftly begun exploring other avenues to impose tariffs. In a press conference, he announced his intention to apply a blanket ten percent tariff on all imports, with certain exceptions for goods that are critical for the U.S. economy and those already covered by existing tariffs.

In searching for legal justification, Trump aims to leverage sections 122, 232, and 301 of a Trade Act from over fifty years ago, which may provide him the means to bypass the Supreme Court’s decision. His administration is looking to implement these tariffs as soon as possible, signaling a significant shift in trade policy that could provoke further international economic tensions and potentially lead to retaliatory actions from trading partners.

The implications of Trump's new strategy under the Trade Act are profound, as it not only threatens established trade relationships but also sets a precedent for unilateral tariff imposition. This move could escalate trade wars, impact domestic markets, and provoke responses from affected countries, reflecting an ongoing struggle between national economic interests and global trade norms.