President Donald Trump warned the US Supreme Court that a ruling against his reciprocal tariffs would cause massive financial chaos, following his call with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. In a Truth Social post, Trump stated that overturning the tariffs would require refunding hundreds of billions of dollars and impact trillions in investments. The Court, skeptical in a November hearing, could annul the measures announced in April 2025.
Donald Trump ramped up pressure on the US Supreme Court after a call with Claudia Sheinbaum, posting a direct message to the justices on Truth Social. The Court is assessing the legality of Trump's reciprocal tariffs imposed under a 1977 law granting presidential powers in national emergencies. In a November 2025 session, conservative justices like John Roberts, Neil Gorsuch, and Amy Coney Barrett expressed skepticism about Trump's authority to impose these tariffs.
The tariffs were announced on April 2, 2025, dubbed by Trump as 'Liberation Day,' with rates of 10 to 50 percent on dozens of countries, exempting Mexico and Canada under the USMCA/T-MEC. Trump argued the tariffs balance 'unfair' trade practices, applying reciprocal duties like 34 percent to China (which charges 67 percent) and 20 percent to the European Union (which charges 39 percent), plus a 10 percent global rate and 25 percent on foreign vehicles from April 3.
If the Court rules against them, the tariffs would be annulled, forcing the administration to refund 'hundreds of billions of dollars,' according to Trump. He added that countries and companies would claim reimbursements for investments made to avoid them, such as General Motors' $4 billion to shift production from Mexico to the US, and Clariant's relocation from Puebla. 'When these investments are added up, we're talking trillions of dollars. It would be total chaos... we're fried!,' Trump wrote.
The ruling would jeopardize recent trade deals with Japan, South Korea, and the European Union in sectors like electronics, critical minerals, and pharmaceuticals. Politically, it could undermine the Republican majority in the House of Representatives, where Democrats lead by 3.5 points in RealClearPolitics polls. Enrique Quintana, editorial director of El Financiero, noted it would benefit Sheinbaum's government in the USMCA review, facing a weakened Trump.
Sheinbaum has defended Mexico's exemption, stating treaties eliminate mutual tariffs. Economists warn the tariffs could raise $600 billion annually but would increase consumer prices and disrupt global supply chains.
