WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Friday launched an extraordinary attack on the Supreme Court after it ruled against him on tariffs, describing justices in the majority as a “disgrace to our nation” and “very unpatriotic and disloyal to the Constitution.”
While praising the three dissenting justices in the 6-3 ruling that invalidated most of his tariffs, Trump suggested the majority was “swayed by foreign interests” and said the three Democratic appointees in the majority are “fools and lapdogs” to moderate Republicans and Democrats.
“The Supreme Court’s ruling on tariffs is deeply disappointing, and I’m ashamed of certain members of the court, absolutely ashamed for not having the courage to do what’s right for our country,” Trump said in remarks at the White House.
The court has a 6-3 conservative majority that frequently rules in his favor.
While presidents often criticize Supreme Court rulings that upend major policies, it is highly unusual for them to use such harsh and personal language. Two justices in the majority — Justices Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett — were appointed by Trump and have frequently ruled in his favor in other cases.
Trump could come face to face with at least some of the nine justices next week at his State of the Union address, which is being held on Tuesday.
“I couldn’t care less if they come,” Trump said during his remarks, in which he announced new tariffs to replace those the court struck down.
Elaborating on his claim of foreign interference, Trump suggested without evidence that foreign interests have “undue influence” on the court.
“They have a lot of influence over the Supreme Court. Whether it’s through fear or respect or friendships, I don’t know,” he added.
In criticizing the court, Trump did not mention any of the justices in the majority by name, but he explicitly praised the dissenters: Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Brett Kavanaugh.
Trump singled out Kavanaugh, another of his appointees, for special praise.
“I’m so proud of him,” he said.
In response to a question from a reporter, Trump later addressed the votes taken by Barrett and Gorsuch.
“I think their decision was terrible. I think it’s an embarrassment to their families,” he said.
