Donald Trump says the US would owe trillions if the Supreme Court rules his tariffs illegal, with a key decision possible this week.
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump declared the United States would be “screwed” if the Supreme Court rules some of his tariffs illegal.
In a Truth Social post, Trump argued hundreds of billions of dollars would need repaying to US companies if the court strikes down his flagship policy.
He claimed that figure excludes further “payback” from countries and companies that invested to avoid the tariffs.
“When these Investments are added, we are talking about Trillions of Dollars!” he wrote.
Trump concluded such a ruling would create “a complete mess” and be “almost impossible for our Country to pay.”
“In other words, if the Supreme Court rules against the United States of America on this National Security bonanza, WE’RE SCREWED!” he stated.
The Supreme Court plans to release opinions on Wednesday, with the tariffs case potentially among them.
Justices appeared deeply skeptical during November oral arguments over Trump’s use of emergency powers for the tariffs.
They questioned whether the International Emergency Economic Powers Act authorises such “reciprocal” tariffs on nearly every trade partner.
The case also involves levies targeting Mexico, Canada and China over alleged roles in illicit drug flows.
The pending decision does not cover Trump’s separate sector-specific tariffs on steel, aluminum and automobiles.
Trump has raised the average effective US tariff rate to its highest level since the 1930s.
