Trump threatens higher tariffs, claims no need for congressional approval

Washington (ANTARA) - US President Donald Trump has threatened to multiply import tariffs on countries that exploit a Supreme Court ruling on the limitation of executive authority, whilst asserting that he does not need congressional approval to impose tariffs.

The threat was made by Trump on Monday (23/2) after the Supreme Court last week struck down the legal basis for imposing import tariffs, as the constitution places such authority in the hands of Congress.

Trump called the decision “embarrassing”, but said that the Supreme Court had “unwittingly” granted him even greater authority.

Via his social media platform, Truth Social, he warned countries deemed to be harming the US not to attempt to provoke new trade conflicts.

“Any country that wants to ‘mess around’ with this ridiculous supreme court decision […] will face far higher tariffs, and worse than [the tariffs] they recently agreed to,” Trump said.

He also claimed to have prepared contingency plans and pledged to maintain all tariffs he has imposed in the interest of US national security.

Trump further rejected the need to seek legislative approval on international trade matters, arguing that he has long held such authorisation.

As president, Trump said, he is not required to consult Congress for approval on tariffs.

Source: Sputnik/RIA Novosti