We’re Screwed: Trump Panics Ahead of Supreme Court Verdict on Tariff Powers

As the US Supreme Court prepares to rule on a crucial challenge to his tariff authority, former President Donald Trump has publicly expressed alarm, cautioning that an adverse verdict could leave the United States facing an unprecedented financial crisis. In blunt remarks shared on his Truth Social platform on Monday, Trump said the country would be “screwed” if the court decides that he lacked the power to impose sweeping tariffs during his presidency.

According to Trump, such a ruling would obligate the federal government to return enormous sums already collected through tariffs, a process he described as both chaotic and nearly unworkable. He warned that refunding the money would be a “complete mess” and could cost hundreds of billions of dollars, potentially escalating into the trillions once broader economic consequences are factored in.

“It would be a complete mess, and almost impossible for our Country to pay,” Trump wrote, arguing that calculating how much to refund—and to whom—would take years. He added that the scope of liability would be vast, involving not just importers but also companies and foreign governments that altered investment decisions in response to the tariffs.

In recent weeks, Trump has increasingly used social media to apply pressure on the judiciary as the Supreme Court deliberates on whether his unilateral use of tariff powers was lawful. He has repeatedly stressed that striking down the tariffs would create severe strain on federal finances and undermine what he describes as a key national security strategy.

“It might not be possible,” Trump said, referring to the prospect of repayment. “But if it were, the amount would be so big that it would take years to figure out how much we are talking about and even who, when, and where to pay.”

Trump further argued that the financial exposure would extend far beyond direct refunds. He pointed to companies that invested billions in factories, plants, and equipment to avoid tariff-related costs, as well as countries that reshaped trade flows in response to US policies. According to him, once these indirect impacts are considered, the total cost could rise into the trillions of dollars.

“The actual numbers that we would have to pay back would be many hundreds of billions of dollars,” Trump wrote, warning that the cascading economic effects would dramatically inflate the final figure.

Framing the tariffs as essential to national security, Trump warned of dire consequences if the Supreme Court rules against the government. “WE’RE SCREWED if the Supreme Court rules against the United States of America on this National Security bonanza,” he declared, underscoring the stakes he believes are involved.

Why the Supreme Court’s Decision Matters

At present, there is no clear indication of when the Supreme Court will issue its ruling. Observers say a decision could come as early as Wednesday or later in the coming weeks.

Central to the case is the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), a national security statute that Trump relied upon to impose many of his tariffs. The court must determine whether the law grants the president sufficient authority to enact such measures without explicit congressional approval.

Several lower courts have already ruled that tariffs imposed under IEEPA exceeded presidential authority, setting the stage for Supreme Court review. If the top court upholds those rulings, the US government could be legally required to refund tariff revenues collected under the disputed measures.

Such an outcome would have sweeping implications for trade policy, executive power, and federal finances. A reversal could force the US Treasury to return billions—or more—to affected parties, raising complex questions about repayment mechanisms, eligibility, and long-term economic impact.

As the nation awaits the verdict, Trump’s stark warnings highlight just how consequential the Supreme Court’s decision could be, not only for his legacy but also for the future balance of power between the White House, congress, and the courts.