'Don't Play Games': Trump Warns Countries of Higher Trade Penalties, Calls Supreme Court Decision 'Poorly Crafted'

New Delhi: Days after the US Supreme Court struck down the tariffs introduced by the Trump administration for exceeding its legal authority by using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977, President Donald Trump issued a fresh warning on tariffs on Monday, saying that countries that attempt to “play games" with this federal court ruling could face “higher trade penalties".

Trump's remarks comes at the back of the European Union signaling that it would put its trade agreement with Washington on hold.

In a Truth Social post, Trump said that nations that had “ripped off" the US for years and even decades would be met with “much higher tariffs," warning them not to “play games”. 

In another post he said, he bashed the Supreme Court ruling calling its judgement "ridiculous and poorly crafted" adding that he does not need to go back to the Congress to get approval to impose tariffs on any nation.

What's Behind Trump's Recent Warning

Earlier on Monday, the European Parliament said that it would freeze its plans to approve its trade deal with Washington till it receives clarity on how the court ruling might affect the tariff arrangements.

The European Parliament’s trade committee was supposed to give its approval on Tuesday to remove tariffs on US industrial goods. However, the voting was put on hold after several lawmakers from multiple political groups, pointed out the uncertainty in tariffs, given the recent Supreme Court ruling.

'Can Use Licenses To Do Absolutely Terrible Things'

Trump claimed on Truth Social that he could "use Licenses to do absolutely 'terrible' things to foreign countries, especially those countries that have been RIPPING US OFF for decades".

Calling the federal court ‘dumb’, Trump, in a light-hearted comment said that he would "be using lower case letters (to refer to the Supreme Court) based on a complete lack of respect".

“The supreme court (will be using lower case letters for a while based on a complete lack of respect!) of the United States accidentally and unwittingly gave me... far more powers and strength than I had prior to their ridiculous, dumb, and very internationally divisive ruling.”

Trump also complained that as per the ruling, while he could still demand countries exporting to the US seek licenses, he cannot charge a 'fee' for it.

“I can use Licenses to do absolutely “terrible” things to foreign countries, especially those countries that have been RIPPING US OFF for many decades, but incomprehensibly, according to the ruling, can’t charge them a License fee - BUT ALL LICENSES CHARGE FEES, why can’t the United States do so? You do a license to get a fee! The opinion doesn’t explain that, but I know the answer!” he pointed out.

'Babies of Slaves'

Trump also attacked the court on Birthright Citizenship, another contentious issue, which also grants automatic US citizenip to those who are born on American soil.

"The next thing you know they will rule in favor of China and others, who are making an absolute fortune on Birthright Citizenship, by saying the 14th Amendment was NOT written to take care of the "babies of slaves," which it was as proven by the EXACT TIMING of its construction, filing, and ratification, which perfectly coincided with the END OF THE CIVIL WAR," he said.

Trump Hikes Global Tariffs From 10% To 15%

Donald Trump on Saturday raised tariffs from 10% to 15% on imports from all countries, just a day after the US Supreme Court ruling. Trump had claimed that the decision to increase the tariff rate is based on a detailed and thorough review of the ruling. In a post on his Truth Social account, Trump said the tariffs aim to make America great again.

Earlier on Friday, Trump imposed a global tariff of 10% on all imports, in addition to the existing tariffs. "It is my Great Honor to have just signed, from the Oval Office, a Global 10% Tariff on all Countries, which will be effective almost immediately," the US President said.

Trump invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to impose the 10% tariffs. Section 122 is a rarely-used provision that authorises the US President to impose a temporary tariff of up to 15% for a maximum period of 150 days in response to “fundamental international payments problems”. 

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