President Trump kicked off a campaign rally in Georgia with a fiery defense of his tariff policy, arguing he has the “right,” as president, to set them.
The Supreme Court could rule as soon as Friday on the legality of Trump’s tariff agenda.
“I have to wait for this decision. I’ve been waiting forever, forever, and the language is clear that I have the right to do it as President, I have the right to put tariffs on for national security,” Trump said.
He argued the tariffs against countries like China and Canada were targeting countries that have “ripped us off for years.”
Trump visited a steel factory in Georgia to defend his economic record ahead of the midterm election. The administration is trying to tout all its done to keep the cost of living at affordable levels in order to keep Republican control of Congress.
The Supreme Court has gone more than three months without issuing a decision on tariffs.
Trump’s frustration was evident.
“I have to be in the United States Supreme Court for many, many months waiting for a decision on tariffs,” he said. “Without tariffs, this country would be in such trouble right now.”
Later in his remarks, he lamented again about the delay.
“I’m waiting for a decision from the Supreme Court. Can you imagine we have to wait?”
The US has collected more than $130 billion in tariff revenue, according to US Customs and Border Protection statistics. If the Supreme Court strikes down the program, it could have to give the money back. Consumers could see refunds from companies that upped prices to counter the additional tariffs.
But Trump may have to wait longer. In addition to Friday, the court announced it will release opinions next Tuesday, Feb. 24; and next Wednesday, Feb. 25.