The U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) struck down many of the global tariffs President Donald Trump imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. In a 6-3 decision on Friday, SCOTUS ruled that the Constitution gives Congress, not the Executive Branch, the power to impose tariffs.
Trump said the ruling is "deeply disappointing," but thanked dissenting Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas and Brett Kavanaugh.
"When you read the dissenting opinions, there is no way that anyone can argue against them," Trump said. "Foreign Countries that have been ripping us off for years are ecstatic, and dancing in the streets — But they won’t be dancing for long!"
Alabama gubernatorial frontrunner, U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn), said the fight is not over.
“I’m disappointed by the Supreme Court’s decision to handcuff the President’s ability to impose tariffs on countries who have been ripping us off for years,” Tuberville said. “77 million Americans voted for President Trump because they knew he would negotiate fair trade deals and put American jobs and businesses first. The President has a phenomenal economic team, and I know they won’t go down without a fight.”
U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) released a statement following the ruling in which she applauded the ruling.
“Today, the Supreme Court affirmed what my Democratic colleagues and I have been arguing all along. President Trump’s use of IEEPA (The International Emergency Economic Powers Act) to justify his global tariffs is illegal and unconstitutional," she outlined.
“The Constitution is clear,” Sewell continued. “The power to regulate trade lies with Congress. As a member of the Trade Subcommittee on Ways and Means, I will continue to hold this president accountable, and I will never stop fighting to lower costs for Alabamians. We must return to a sensible trade policy that levels the playing field for American workers and businesses, respects and deepens our economic ties with our allies, and focuses on combating illegal trade practices from China.”
Former U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl, who is running for the Congressional District 1 seat, opposed the SCOTUS decision.
“I strongly oppose the ruling of the Supreme Court striking down President Trump’s use of tariffs,” Carl stated. “President Trump has used tariffs to put America First by protecting our workers, rebuilding our manufacturing base, and standing up to nations like China, which want nothing more than to see our nation fail.
“As your Congressman, I will fight to pass legislation reinstating these tariffs and to defend American jobs,” Carl said. “The days of allowing foreign nations to undermine our economy and national security must end.”
Other CD-1 candidates also responded. Green Beret Joshua McKee said he does not support the ruling.
"Yes, SCOTUS ruled against President Trump on tariffs. I believe it ruled incorrectly,” McKee stated. “If a president can sanction other countries, he should be able to tariff them as well to counter them when they cheat at trade, but President Trump has other mechanisms he can use to enact his tariff policies besides emergency declarations and he should use all means at his disposal to do so.”
State Rep. Rhett Marques (R-Enterprise), who is also running for Congressional District 1, also disagreed with the ruling.
“Today’s disappointing ruling makes it even more important that Congress immediately codifies the President’s tariff authority and the incredible trade deals that President Trump has so masterfully negotiated on behalf of the American people,” Marques responded. “Tariffs are an economic and national security tool that the President has rightfully been using to level the playing field and achieve fairness for the American people.
“President Trump is fighting tirelessly to put hardworking Americans first and end decades of foreign countries cheating our people and undermining our economy,” Marques added. “I’m running to join him in that fight.”
Republican candidate for Alabama’s sixth congressional district Case Dixon called the ruling a win for the American people and the Constitution.
“SCOTUS made clear that IEEPA does not authorize the president to impose sweeping tax increases on Americans,” Dixon stated. “This ruling upholds the Constitution and protects citizens from a future Democratic president using ‘emergency’ powers to impose far-left policies by decree.”
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