New Update On Trump’s Tariff Dilemma
The Trump administration is preparing a new phase of U.S. trade enforcement after a recent Supreme Court ruling narrowed the president’s emergency tariff authority.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer confirmed Wednesday that certain countries could soon face tariffs of 15 percent or higher, as President Donald Trump restructures trade policy using existing federal law.
The move signals a continued commitment to fair trade enforcement, American manufacturing protection, and long-term economic leverage.
10% Baseline Tariff May Rise to 15% or More
Speaking on “Mornings with Maria,” Greer explained that the current 10 percent tariff rate could increase depending on the country involved.
“Right now, we have the 10 percent tariff,” Greer said. “It’ll go up to 15 percent for some and may go higher for others.”
The tariff increases are expected to reflect the administration’s broader effort to maintain leverage in ongoing trade negotiations while complying with the Supreme Court’s recent decision.
For many American workers and retirees who have watched overseas competition reshape U.S. manufacturing over the past decades, this represents a continuation of the administration’s economic strategy.
Section 301 of the Trade Act: The Legal Path Forward
To implement the revised tariff structure, the administration plans to rely on Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.
Section 301 gives the president authority to investigate and respond to foreign trade practices that are:
- Unjustified
- Unreasonable
- Discriminatory
- Harmful to U.S. commerce
Greer said the administration will launch formal public investigations, allowing businesses and citizens to submit written evidence of unfair trade practices.
This process strengthens the legal foundation of new tariffs while providing transparency and public input.
Presidential Proclamation Expected Soon
In a separate interview with Bloomberg Television, Greer indicated that President Trump is expected to issue a formal proclamation raising tariffs to 15 percent “where appropriate.”
“The point is to recreate the policy framework we’ve developed over the past year,” Greer explained. “We want continuity. We want to honor trade agreements, but also have enforcement tools available.”
The White House has emphasized that the goal is not to disrupt existing trade deals but to preserve negotiated rates while ensuring compliance.
Preparing for Legal Challenges From Foreign Governments
Greer acknowledged that foreign governments may challenge the tariff increases.
“Any time we put on a tariff, we’re going to have foreign interests who want to bring it down,” he noted.
However, officials believe restructuring the policy under Section 301 creates a more durable legal framework than relying on emergency authority alone.
Greer previously suggested that the Supreme Court’s ruling ultimately pushed the administration to rebuild its trade policy in a stronger, more legally grounded way.
Why This Matters for American Workers and Retirees
For Americans over 50, trade policy is not an abstract issue. Many remember the outsourcing waves of the 1990s and early 2000s, when factories closed and local economies struggled.
The administration’s renewed emphasis on tariffs, enforcement, and trade accountability reflects a broader economic philosophy:
- Protect American industry
- Enforce fair trade agreements
- Maintain negotiating leverage
- Strengthen domestic manufacturing
As the Trump administration recalibrates its trade approach, the next phase of U.S. tariff policy could shape everything from supply chains to retirement portfolios.
Bottom Line
President Trump’s team is signaling that while the Supreme Court ruling narrowed one pathway for tariffs, it did not end the administration’s broader trade strategy.
By shifting to Section 301 authority and preparing targeted 15 percent tariff increases, the White House appears focused on maintaining economic leverage while reinforcing the legal durability of its policies.
