• Source:JND
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US President Donald Trump has launched a fervent defence of his controversial trade policies, especially tariffs, just as a critical court battle over their legality escalates. Taking to his platform, Truth Social, Trump wrote on Thursday, “If our Country was not able to protect itself by using TARIFFS AGAINST TARIFFS, WE WOULD BE ‘DEAD,’ WITH NO CHANCE OF SURVIVAL OR SUCCESS.” 

The post comes ahead of a key hearing at the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, which is reviewing a challenge to tariffs imposed during Trump’s presidency. A three-judge panel at the US Court of International Trade had earlier blocked several of these sweeping duties, citing concerns over their legality. However, the Federal Circuit temporarily reinstated them, pending further deliberation. A final decision could end up before the US Supreme Court, where even a favourable conservative tilt offers no guaranteed win for Trump.

The lawsuit, brought by 12 states and five small businesses, contests the economic logic and constitutional authority behind Trump’s unilateral tariff actions. These legal challenges now pose a significant test to what has long been a cornerstone of Trump’s economic agenda.

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Trump Claims Tariffs Revived US Economy

In his posts, Trump doubled down on his belief that tariffs are essential to national prosperity. “Tariffs are making America GREAT & RICH Again,” he wrote, arguing they were successfully used against the U.S. for decades, causing long-term economic harm. He claims his policies have reversed that damage, stating, “ONE YEAR AGO, AMERICA WAS A DEAD COUNTRY, NOW IT IS THE ‘HOTTEST’ COUNTRY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD.” 

Amid the controversy, Trump has continued pushing forward with new trade actions. He announced a 15 per cent tariff agreement with South Korea and a new deal with Japan. But significant US trading partners such as Canada, Mexico, and Taiwan have yet to finalise any new terms.

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Brazil Tariff Raised To 50% Despite Market Warnings

Perhaps most striking is Trump’s latest move against Brazil, a 40 per cent hike in tariffs, bringing the total duty to a staggering 50 per cent, set to take effect on August 1. Initially delayed in April due to market turbulence, the tariff increase is now back on track. 

Many of these tariff measures fall under Trump’s “reciprocal” tariff strategy, supported by the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. This policy sets a global baseline tariff of 10 per cent, with significantly higher rates for countries without trade agreements or those targeted by Trump’s frequent trade enforcement actions.