President Donald Trump warned that the United States could face a financial disaster if the Supreme Court decides his global tariffs on imports are illegal. The nation’s highest court is getting ready to release its decision as early as January 14.
Trump wrote on Truth Social on January 12 that if the Supreme Court rules against the United States on this national security issue, “WE’RE SCREWED!” He claimed the country would have to pay back “many Hundreds of Billion of Dollars” in money already collected from the new tariffs and “Trillions” more in private investments.
According to USA Today, Trump used the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act as the legal reason for most of his tariffs. He declared a national emergency over the country’s trade deficit. But during arguments in November, most Supreme Court justices seemed doubtful about Trump’s use of emergency powers.
The financial impact could reshape America’s economy
The federal government collected about $200 billion more in tariff money in 2025 because of the president’s tariffs on imports from around the world. Companies pay these tariffs when they bring goods into the country from other nations.
Trump said the “payback” amount, if the Supreme Court rules against him, includes money that companies and other countries are spending to build factories and equipment in the United States to avoid paying the higher tariffs. The president has previously threatened tariffs on multiple countries as part of his economic strategy.
“When these Investments are added, we are talking about Trillions of Dollars! It would be a complete mess, and almost impossible for our Country to pay,” Trump wrote. He said anyone who claims it can be done quickly and easily would be giving a false or misunderstood answer to this big and complicated question.
Trump added that even if paying back the money were possible, the amounts would be so large that it would take many years just to figure out the exact number and who to pay. Trump has often overstated how much private investment his tariffs have brought to the United States, and some companies that promised American investments haven’t followed through yet. Trump didn’t explain how he came up with the “trillions” figure.
A ruling against Trump’s use of emergency powers would be a huge blow to the main part of his domestic agenda and his favorite tool in trade deals with other countries. The decision could also have major effects on the global economy and Trump’s claims of broad executive power. Despite his aggressive approach to international relations, Trump has faced criticism from the Nobel Committee regarding his leadership style.
Published: Jan 14, 2026 04:22 am