Trump Confirms Stronger Tariff Authorities Available After Supreme Court IEEPA Ruling
Following the Supreme Court's 6-3 decision declaring IEEPA-based tariffs illegal, President Trump has confirmed that stronger alternative methods, statutes, and authorities are available for tariff implementation. Treasury Secretary Bessent supports this with strategic plans to return to same tariff levels through less direct methods, including Section 122 authority and enhanced Section 232 and 301 tariffs, projecting virtually unchanged revenue in 2026.

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The Supreme Court has delivered a significant ruling on trade policy, declaring Trump's tariffs implemented under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) as illegal. The decision was reached by a 6-3 majority, marking a notable development in trade law enforcement.
Trump's Response on Alternative Authorities
President Trump has directly addressed the Supreme Court ruling, stating that there are "methods, statutes, and authorities stronger than IEEPA that can be used." This statement provides the administration's most definitive response to the legal constraints imposed by the Supreme Court's decision on IEEPA-based tariffs.
| Presidential Statement: | Details |
|---|---|
| Alternative Methods: | Methods, statutes, and authorities available |
| Comparative Strength: | Stronger than IEEPA |
| Implementation Status: | Can be used for tariff purposes |
| Source: | President Trump |
Treasury Secretary's Strategic Response
Treasury Secretary Bessent has provided the administration's clearest indication yet of its post-ruling strategy, stating that "we will get back to the same tariff level for countries, it will be less direct." This statement comes as the administration navigates the legal constraints imposed by the Supreme Court's decision.
Bessent previously defended the administration's use of IEEPA tariffs, stating that they were "custom-made for Trump's leverage" and were "much cleaner than other authorities." However, the new approach acknowledges the need for alternative implementation methods.
| Strategic Approach: | Details |
|---|---|
| Tariff Levels: | Will return to same levels for countries |
| Implementation: | Less direct methods |
| Previous Assessment: | IEEPA was cleaner than other authorities |
| Source: | Treasury Secretary Bessent |
Alternative Revenue Strategy Framework
Despite the Supreme Court ruling, Treasury Secretary Bessent has provided detailed estimates regarding alternative tariff implementation strategies. According to prepared remarks, the Treasury projects that using Section 122 authority, combined with potentially enhanced Section 232 and 301 tariffs, would result in virtually unchanged tariff revenue in 2026.
| Revenue Strategy: | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Authority: | Section 122 |
| Supporting Measures: | Enhanced Section 232 and 301 tariffs |
| Revenue Impact: | Virtually unchanged in 2026 |
| Source: | Treasury estimates in prepared remarks |
White House Response and Court Decision
The White House has announced that President Trump will hold a press briefing on the Supreme Court's tariff decision at 12:45PM ET. The Supreme Court's ruling specifically targets the legal basis for tariffs imposed using IEEPA authority, with the 6-3 decision indicating a clear majority position against the use of this particular legal framework for trade measures.
| Key Developments: | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Decision: | IEEPA tariffs ruled illegal (6-3 majority) |
| Presidential Briefing: | 12:45PM ET on Supreme Court decision |
| Legal Framework: | International Emergency Economic Powers Act |
Trade Policy Implementation Path
Following the Supreme Court ruling, the administration has outlined a comprehensive alternative approach that maintains tariff effectiveness while operating within legal constraints. Trump's confirmation of stronger alternative authorities, combined with the Treasury's revenue projections and Bessent's latest statements, suggests that alternative tariff strategies will achieve the same economic impact through different legal mechanisms, representing a strategic adaptation to the court's decision.
























