Saturday, March 29, 2025
Summary:
After returning to power for a second term in January, US President Donald Trump’s approval ratings have fallen to their lowest point, largely due to rising living costs that many Americans believe are caused—at least in part—by his tariff policies.
Date: December 9, 2025
Time: 10:56 PM IST
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday issued a stark warning, stating that any Supreme Court ruling against his authority to impose tariffs would pose a serious threat to America’s national security. In a social media post, Trump described a potential negative verdict on tariffs as “the greatest threat to national security in the history of the United States.”
Trump claimed that if the Supreme Court rules against him, the country would become “completely economically helpless.” He argued that the executive power to swiftly and easily impose tariffs is essential for protecting national interests and maintaining America’s economic strength.
In his post, Trump further asserted that the rapid implementation of tariffs has significantly strengthened US national security and helped make the country the most economically powerful nation in the world. He added that “only dark and dangerous forces” would want to see an end to this system.
Since reclaiming the presidency in January for a second term, Trump’s popularity has steadily declined, hitting its lowest levels so far. The main source of public discontent has been the rising cost of living. Many Americans believe that tariffs have contributed, at least partially, to higher consumer prices.
According to official data, US inflation rose to 2.8 percent year-on-year in September, intensifying public concern about affordability and household expenses.
The tariff issue has also exposed growing divisions within Trump’s own MAGA movement. Marjorie Taylor Greene, once a close ally of Trump who publicly distanced herself from him in November, sharply criticized the president’s economic record. She accused Trump of failing completely to address affordability issues facing ordinary Americans.
Adding to the pressure, retail giant Costco recently became the largest and most high-profile US company to legally challenge the tariff policy. The company has questioned the legality of the measures that Trump has long promoted as a way to correct America’s chronic trade imbalances and apply diplomatic pressure on other countries.
The US Supreme Court has been examining the constitutional validity of Trump’s sweeping tariff policy since November 5. However, no specific date has yet been announced for a final ruling.
In parallel, several major corporations and Democrat-led states have filed lawsuits in the US Court of International Trade. These legal challenges argue that the tariffs are unconstitutional, asserting that only Congress has the authority to impose such measures. According to the plaintiffs, Trump’s tariffs are not just overreaching, but entirely unlawful.
As the court deliberations continue, the outcome could have far-reaching consequences for US trade policy, presidential powers, and the broader economy—making the Supreme Court’s decision one of the most closely watched legal battles of Trump’s second term.
