Trump After Supreme Court Ruling: “Nothing Changes India Will Pay Tariffs, US Will Not”

US, Feb 21 : US President Donald Trump on Friday affirmed that the recent Supreme Court ruling against his sweeping tariffs would not affect the ongoing India-US trade framework, stating, “nothing changes.” The announcement came alongside a new 10 per cent global levy on imports to the United States, effective February 24, aimed at addressing international payment imbalances and supporting American workers.

The Supreme Court, in a 6-3 verdict authored by Chief Justice John Roberts, ruled that Trump had exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) when imposing broad-based tariffs, marking a major legal setback for the President’s economic agenda. Responding at a White House press conference, Trump criticized the justices as “fools and lapdogs” for failing to uphold what he considered the country’s economic interests.

Despite the ruling, Trump reiterated that the interim trade agreement with India remains intact. Under the deal, India will pay tariffs, while US duties remain limited, reversing previous arrangements. Trump praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him “a great gentleman, a great man,” and emphasized their strong bilateral relationship.

Trump also repeated his claim that tariffs played a decisive role in de-escalating the India-Pakistan conflict last summer, asserting that threats of punitive tariffs helped bring both sides to a ceasefire. Earlier, the trade framework had included the removal of 25 per cent US tariffs on Indian imports linked to Russian oil purchases, with reciprocal US tariffs reduced to 18 per cent.

In response to the Supreme Court verdict, Trump issued a Proclamation imposing a temporary 10 per cent ad valorem duty on imported goods, effective for 150 days. He framed the measure as a continuation of his administration’s efforts to rebalance trade relationships in favor of American industries, farmers, and manufacturers.

Trump emphasized that all trade deals, including the interim arrangement with India, are proceeding, noting that the administration retains flexibility to implement them “in a different way.”