Here’s what conservatives need to know.
President Donald Trump is once again at the center of America’s biggest economic battle — tariffs. A federal appeals court has ruled against the former president’s trade strategy, calling many of his tariffs “unlawfully imposed.” But Trump is not backing down, insisting tariffs are the only way to protect American workers, farmers, and manufacturers from decades of unfair global trade.
Court Ruling Targets Trump’s Tariffs
On Friday, a federal appeals court sided with the Court of International Trade, claiming that Trump used the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) improperly when declaring an “economic emergency” to impose tariffs.
While the ruling doesn’t eliminate tariffs entirely, it does restrict how Trump can apply them — a move many conservatives see as another example of activist courts undermining America First policies.
Paul Krugman Leads Liberal Criticism
Liberal economist Paul Krugman, a longtime critic of Trump and a Nobel Prize winner, called the case a “self-inflicted disaster.” He accused Trump of acting like a “dictator” and mocked the idea that the U.S. needed emergency tariffs at a time when the economy was strong.
But critics say Krugman misses the bigger point: a strong America still needs strong defenses against unfair trade practices from China, the EU, and global competitors.
Trump Strikes Back
In a fiery Truth Social post, Trump made clear that tariffs remain fully in effect — and absolutely necessary:
“Every single tariff is still in place! If they were ever removed, it would spell disaster for our nation. Without them, America would grow weak financially — and we must always remain strong.”
Trump vowed to take the case to the Supreme Court, promising:
“We will use them to the benefit of our Nation, and Make America Rich, Strong, and Powerful Again!”
Billions in Revenue — and Jobs Protected
Since Trump’s tariff policy began, revenue flowing into the U.S. Treasury has skyrocketed. By July 2025, tariffs generated $142 billion, more than double last year’s total.
The Justice Department has warned that removing these tariffs could cause “financial ruin” — underscoring just how much America relies on them.
Beyond revenue, Trump’s tariffs have given the U.S. leverage to negotiate better deals with Japan, the EU, and other partners. For farmers, manufacturers, and middle-class workers, tariffs have been a shield against cheap foreign goods that destroy jobs.
The Big Picture for America
For decades, globalists in Washington sold out American workers. Trump changed that with his bold America First trade policy — and tariffs were at the heart of it.
As Trump reminded Americans this Labor Day weekend:
“Tariffs are the best tool to help our Workers, and support Companies that produce great MADE IN AMERICA products.”
The future of tariffs — and America’s ability to defend its economy — now lies with the Supreme Court.
