Trump Blasts His Own Supreme Court Picks Over Tariff Decision

Former president claims court's ruling against his tariffs 'sickens' him and cost the country billions

Mar. 29, 2026 at 12:50am

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Former President Donald Trump lashed out at the Supreme Court and two of his own appointees, Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch, over the court's ruling against his administration's use of tariffs. Trump claimed the decision has cost the country hundreds of billions of dollars and said the justices who ruled against him 'sicken me' because they are 'bad for our country.'

Why it matters

Trump's hostile response to the Supreme Court's ruling on his tariffs sparks tension with the justice department and raises questions about the independence of the judiciary, especially when it comes to checks on presidential power.

The details

The Supreme Court's 6-3 decision determined that Trump's usage of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) did not authorize his economic policies, especially tariffs or duties. The tariffs that Trump imposed are estimated to have cost the American people more than $133 billion in the fiscal years 2025 and 2026, though the court did not rule on whether that money needs to be refunded.

  • The Supreme Court ruled against Trump's tariffs last month.
  • Trump made his comments criticizing the court and his own appointees during a fundraiser for the National Republican Congressional Committee this week.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president who imposed the tariffs that were ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

Amy Coney Barrett

A Supreme Court justice appointed by Trump who ruled against his use of tariffs.

Neil Gorsuch

A Supreme Court justice appointed by Trump who ruled against his use of tariffs.

Brett Kavanaugh

A Supreme Court justice appointed by Trump who dissented in favor of Trump's tariffs.

John Roberts

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court who said Trump's attacks on the court 'must stop.'

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What they’re saying

“'Bad courts in this country are costing us a tremendous amount of money. Not that it matters—doesn't matter at all—but two of the people that voted for that I appointed, and they sicken me. They sicken me 'cause they are bad for our country.'”

— Donald Trump, Former President

“'The Court's decision might not prevent the Presidents from imposing most if not all these same sorts of tariffs under other statutory authorities.'”

— Brett Kavanaugh, Supreme Court Justice

“'The president's attacks 'must stop.'”

— John Roberts, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

What’s next

The Supreme Court's ruling on Trump's tariffs is expected to have lasting implications for presidential powers and the limits of executive authority. Legal experts will be closely watching to see if the Biden administration attempts to impose similar tariffs using different legal justifications, and whether the court will uphold or reject such efforts.

The takeaway

Trump's furious reaction to the Supreme Court's decision against his tariffs highlights the ongoing tensions between the executive and judicial branches, as well as the challenges of maintaining an independent judiciary when the president appoints justices who later rule against his policies. This case underscores the importance of checks and balances in the American political system.