President Donald Trump unleashed a passionate and detailed post on social media Thursday night, responding to the escalating legal fight over his proposed tariffs. The drama unfolded as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit allowed Trump’s tariffs to stay temporarily in place, just a day after the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled against them. That earlier decision declared that Trump had exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
On his platform Truth Social, Trump expressed sharp criticism, calling the Court of International Trade’s ruling “incredible” and unfairly dismissive of the “desperately needed” tariffs. Although that ruling was paused by the Federal Circuit, Trump’s frustration was palpable.
He questioned the origins and motives of the three judges who initially ruled against his tariffs, asking, “Where do these initial three Judges come from? How is it possible for them to have potentially done such damage to the United States of America?” Trump speculated whether their opposition was driven solely by animosity toward him personally, suggesting no other explanation seemed plausible.
His ire didn’t stop there. Trump directed a stinging rebuke at Leonard Leo, a key figure on the Federalist Society’s board, accusing him of manipulating the judicial selection process. Trump revealed that early in his presidency, when he was relatively new to Washington, he had relied on the Federalist Society’s recommendations for picking judges.
“I was advised to turn to the Federalist Society for judicial picks,” Trump admitted. “I did so openly and without hesitation, but it soon became clear that Leonard Leo held undue influence over the group, acting as a ‘sleazebag’ with ambitions and motives that don’t align with America’s best interests.”
Trump went further, expressing deep disappointment with the Federalist Society, criticizing the poor guidance they provided on several judicial nominations. “Their advice led to choices I regret,” he said bluntly. “This is something that cannot be forgotten.”
Despite his criticisms, Trump did acknowledge pride in many of his judicial appointments, though he emphasized that judges must always prioritize what is best for the country over any personal or political loyalties.
He closed his lengthy statement by steering attention back to his tariffs, framing them as a path to a “rich, prosperous, and successful United States of America.” Trump insisted the ruling by the Court of International Trade was not just legally flawed but politically motivated.
“The ruling by the U.S. Court of International Trade is so wrong, and so political!” he declared emphatically. “I am hopeful that the Supreme Court will step in swiftly and decisively to reverse this damaging and dangerous decision for our country.”
Trump’s post reflected the ongoing tension between the executive branch’s trade policy ambitions and the judicial checks on presidential power. His fiery rhetoric also laid bare the internal frustrations with conservative legal allies, raising questions about the future dynamics of judicial appointments and the battle over trade enforcement.
This episode underscores how deeply the tariff issue remains entwined with political battles at the highest levels, as Trump pushes for stronger trade protections amid opposition from courts and critics. Whether the Supreme Court will take up the case remains to be seen, but Trump’s call for urgent action signals the stakes are high—not only for his administration’s agenda but for the broader direction of U.S. economic policy.
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