Alpha News

Trump: “We Messed Up” If Tariffs Are Ruled Unconstitutional

Published January 12, 2026, 21:10

Former US President Donald Trump predicted that the United States would be in a difficult position if the Supreme Court rules his tariffs unlawful. He argued that, in such a scenario, the government would be forced to pay hundreds of billions of dollars in compensation to American companies, not including potential damages from other countries and businesses. Trump insisted that determining the exact amount would take years and that supporters of the tariffs' legality underestimate the complexity of the issue. The tariffs, announced in April, are being challenged by several states and businesses, who believe Trump overstepped his authority, as imposing tariffs is the responsibility of Congress. Federal courts have already ruled that the indiscriminate imposition of tariffs is unconstitutional, but have refused to overturn them until all legal avenues have been exhausted.