White House Says It’s ‘Always Preparing for Plan B’ as Trump’s Tariff Authority Faces Supreme Court Test

US, Nov 5 : As the US Supreme Court prepares to hear arguments this week on President Donald Trump’s authority to impose reciprocal tariffs, the White House has stated that it remains both confident in its legal case and ready for any outcome.
“The White House is always preparing for plan B. It would be imprudent of the President’s advisors not to prepare for such a situation,” said Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday. “We are 100% confident in the President and his team’s legal arguments and the merits of the law in this case. We remain optimistic that the Supreme Court will do the right thing.”
Leavitt emphasised that the issue extends beyond Trump’s presidency, framing it as a matter of long-term executive authority. “This case is not just about President Trump it’s about how future Presidents can use emergency authorisation of tariffs to protect America’s economic and national security,” she added.
Ahead of the hearing, Trump described the case as “critical to the nation’s future,” writing on Truth Social, “Tomorrow’s United States Supreme Court case is, literally, LIFE OR DEATH for our Country. With a victory, we secure strong financial and national security; without it, we’re defenceless against countries that have taken advantage of us for years.”
Trump also highlighted the country’s strong economic performance, crediting his tariff policies for record stock market highs and increased global respect.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed he would attend the hearing in person, saying on Fox News, “I’m actually going and sit hopefully in the front row and listen have a ringside seat.”
The Supreme Court’s decision could have far reaching implications for the limits of presidential power in trade policy and the future use of tariffs as an economic security tool.