Trump: New tariffs 'doing the same thing' as the ones struck down by Supreme Court

• Trump imposed new tariffs of 10-12.5% on goods from over 80 countries citing forced labor concerns, taking effect as his previous temporary 10% worldwide tariff expired after 150 days
• The Supreme Court previously struck down Trump's 'liberation day' tariffs, but Trump said he has 'other ways of doing the same thing' through a 'more cumbersome' approach using different statutory authorities
• Trump dismissed economic concerns about tariffs despite cost-of-living issues becoming central to upcoming midterm elections, claiming 'the tariffs have made this country a fortune'

Summary

President Donald Trump acknowledged on Tuesday that new U.S. tariffs are functionally replicating those previously struck down by the Supreme Court earlier this year. Trump stated he is using "other ways of doing the same thing" through a "more cumbersome" approach after losing a close Supreme Court decision.

Key Developments:

Trump's administration imposed tariffs of 10%-12.5% on goods from over 80 countries on Friday, citing forced labor concerns. These duties took effect as the previous worldwide 10% tariff reached its 150-day limit and expired. The new tariffs were announced on February 20, the same day the Supreme Court invalidated Trump's "liberation day" duties, which had established a 10% global baseline with higher individualized rates for specific countries.

Legal Challenge:

A federal lawsuit filed days before Trump's comments accuses the administration of using different statutes as pretexts to resurrect the same global tariff regime previously ruled illegal. The suit argues the forced labor justification is designed to preserve "substantially the same broad tariff regime" courts rejected. Administration officials deny this, claiming forced labor has been a long-standing priority and the timing was chosen to "avoid complexity."

Trade Policy Stance:

Trump stated he would prefer the U.S. exit the USMCA trade deal with Canada and Mexico rather than renegotiate it, asserting "Mexico and Canada need us. We don't need them."

Economic Impact:

Despite concerns about economic effects and cost-of-living pressures ahead of midterm elections, Trump defended tariffs as beneficial, claiming they have "made this country a fortune."