Trump Escalates Trade War with 15% Global Tariff Hike
In a dramatic escalation of his aggressive trade policy, former President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he is raising the global duty on imports into the United States to 15%. This move comes just one day after the Supreme Court ruled much of his previous tariff program illegal, marking a significant confrontation between the executive and judicial branches.
Legal Maneuvering Following Court Rebuke
Trump's decision follows a 6-3 Supreme Court ruling on Friday that rejected the president's authority to impose tariffs under a 1977 economic emergency powers act. Initially responding with a new 10% global levy using a different legal avenue, Trump quickly doubled down. On his Truth Social platform, he declared that after reviewing what he called an "extraordinarily anti-American decision," the administration was increasing import levies to "the fully allowed, and legally tested, 15% level."
While Trump claimed the new tariffs would take effect "immediately," the exact timing remains unclear. A White House fact sheet issued on Friday regarding the original 10% tariffs indicated they would go into effect at 12:01am ET on February 24, 2026, suggesting potential implementation delays for the increased rate.
International Backlash and European Response
The tariff announcement has provoked strong reactions from US allies. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced he would travel to Washington with a coordinated European position, warning of the "poison" of increased economic uncertainty. French President Emmanuel Macron stated that France would carefully consider the consequences of the new global tariff, emphasizing that "reciprocity" represents the fairest rule in international trade relations.
Business Community Demands Refunds
Following the Supreme Court's ruling, major American business associations are demanding repayment of tariffs collected under Trump's previous program. The US Chamber of Commerce has called for the swift return of an estimated $133 billion in collected tariffs covered by the court's decision. This substantial sum represents significant financial pressure on the administration as it implements its new tariff policy.
Broader Political Context and Criticism
The tariff announcement occurs within a broader context of what critics describe as Trump's increasingly authoritarian tendencies. Recent displays, including the unfurling of a massive banner bearing Trump's visage on the exterior of the Washington headquarters of the federal justice department, have prompted some observers to characterize these actions as exhibiting "dictator vibes."
Additional Administration Actions
In other developments, Trump approved a federal emergency declaration on Saturday related to a sewer main break north of Washington DC that threatens to disrupt the US's 250th anniversary celebrations this summer. Meanwhile, international tensions continue as Iran's foreign minister prepares a nuclear counterproposal following talks with the US, while Trump considers limited military strikes.
The tariff escalation represents Trump's latest effort to reshape global trade relationships, testing both legal boundaries and international alliances as he pursues an aggressive economic agenda that continues to divide opinion at home and abroad.
