Today, the Supreme Court ruled that Donald Trump’s disastrous tariffs are illegal, rejecting the Trump administration’s claim that it has unilateral authority to enact Trump’s unhinged trade war. In a 6-3 decision, the Court ruled that the President cannot impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. 

Trump’s reckless tariffs have sent the economy into a spiral — tanking the job market and spiking the cost of living for everyday Americans — all for nothing. The tariffs have effectively taxed Americans to the tune of $175 billion and working families shelled out $1,000 last year because of Trump’s tariffs. A new report found that American consumers absorbed 95% of the burden of Trump’s tariffs. Trump’s tariffs are also forcing family farms to file for bankruptcy at record levels, crushing manufacturers with mass layoffs, and causing small businesses to close their doors.  

Trump’s average net approval on the issues of the economy (-16), trade (-16) and inflation (-25) remain deeply underwater. A majority of voters say the economy is bad and getting worse, and more than twice as many say their personal finances have gotten worse over the past year than gotten better. Most voters say prices have risen over the past year and expect them to be even higher in a year. Trump is at only 36% approval overall, matching the lowest mark of his second term.

Democratic Attorneys General, led by Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes and Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, successfully fought for consumers and small businesses who have been crushed by Trump’s reckless tariffs.     

In response, DNC Chair Ken Martin released the following statement:

“Donald Trump has tanked America so bad in one year that even the Supreme Court thinks he’s gone too far. This historic decision is a step in the right direction to rein in Trump’s illegal tariff taxes — but it can’t undo the damage Trump has already done to working families and small businesses that are reeling from high prices and a faltering economy. Despite promises of being ‘America First,’ Trump has handed out massive tax cuts to billionaires and favors to his wealthy donors, while everyday Americans barely make ends meet. That’s why he’s completely underwater and his approval ratings are in the dumpster. Today, the Supreme Court handed Trump an off-ramp — but he’s already doubling down, even though it means screwing over everyday Americans, including his own voters.”