Trump Administration Defies Court Rulings, Vows to Keep Tariffs

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has stated that the tariffs implemented by the Trump administration will not be revoked due to recent court decisions. The U.S. Court of International Trade ruled that President Trump did not have the authority to impose "Liberation Day Tariffs," a decision that was temporarily halted by the Federal Court of Appeals. Additionally, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued a preliminary injunction related to the matter.

Lutnick, speaking on a news program, emphasized that the tariffs would remain in place despite the court's decision. When asked if the Trump administration would extend the 90-day tariff suspension period, Lutnick stated that he did not believe there would be an extension. This stance was reiterated by other high-ranking economic officials in the Trump administration, who indicated that the government would not back down from its tariff policies due to court rulings. They suggested that alternative mechanisms would be used to pressure nations into trade negotiations.

The administration's resolve was further underscored by the White House, which reiterated that the tariff measures would not be withdrawn. The National Economic Council Director expressed confidence that the Supreme Court would ultimately support Trump's tariff policies. This firm stance comes amidst ongoing trade tensions, with the administration signaling that it will continue to use tariffs as a tool in its trade negotiations, regardless of legal challenges.

Lutnick's comments align with statements made by several White House officials last week, all of whom indicated that Trump would not abandon his tariff actions. If one path is blocked, he would find another. For instance, White House senior trade advisor stated that the president would continue to seek ways to implement tariff policies, regardless of whether the courts deem the initial authorization legal.

“You can assume that even if we lose, we will find other ways (to implement tariffs). I can assure the American people that Trump's tariff agenda remains valid, healthy, and will be implemented to protect you, save your jobs and factories,” he said.

The White House Press Secretary also pledged that, regardless of the outcome, “the president's trade policy will continue.” “We will comply with the court's orders, but yes, the president has other legal powers to impose tariffs,” she said at a press conference last week.

Overall, despite the Federal Court of Appeals' intervention, which temporarily halted the legal challenge, this controversy represents a significant setback to Trump's broader trade agenda. Even the Director of the National Economic Council acknowledged that alternative tariff options might take longer to implement.

He stated last Thursday, “There are indeed alternative methods, which might take a few months to implement, using processes approved by previous administrations, but we are not currently planning to pursue these measures.”