US Supreme Court Delays Ruling on Trump’s Reciprocal Tariffs... White House Says "Plenty of Alternatives Even If Ruled Illegal"

No Ruling Issued on January 9 as Expected
Hassett: "We Have a Variety of Legal Tools"

The United States Supreme Court did not issue a ruling on January 9 (local time) regarding the legality of the "reciprocal tariffs" policy implemented by the Donald Trump administration, as had been expected.

United States Supreme Court. Photo by AFP News Agency

Previously, on January 6, the Supreme Court announced on its website that it might release decisions on major cases on the 9th. While the specific case names were not disclosed in accordance with customary practice, local media had anticipated a decision regarding President Trump's tariff policy. Contrary to expectations, however, no related decision was issued that day.

The Supreme Court is currently reviewing whether the Trump administration can exercise broad tariff-imposing authority based on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). President Trump had designated the United States' significant trade deficit as a national emergency and, on that basis, imposed high tariffs on various countries. However, both the district and appellate courts ruled that these measures were illegal.

The White House stated that it has sufficient "Plan B" options to continue its tariff policy regardless of the Supreme Court's decision.

Kevin Hassett, Chairman of the White House National Economic Council (NEC), said in a CNBC interview that morning, "Last night, a meeting was held with all key officials in attendance, and we discussed contingency plans in the event that the Supreme Court rules unfavorably on tariff measures based on the IEEPA." He added, "We have various legal means that can achieve the same results as the agreements reached with other countries, and we can implement them immediately." He continued, "While we are hoping for a favorable ruling, even if that is not the case, we have plenty of alternative tools to reach the same objectives."