PNN – After the US Supreme Court struck down illegal trade tariffs, the American people and states are now demanding billions of dollars in damages from Donald Trump.
Following Friday’s ruling by the US Supreme Court that some trade tariffs imposed by the Donald Trump administration were illegal, US states are now demanding repayment of billions of dollars in damages. Illinois Governor J.B. Britzker sent an official letter to the US President, requesting an invoice for $8.68 billion and asking him to compensate for the damages. The invoice shows that each family in the state has lost an average of $1,700 due to Trump’s tariffs, and if payment is not made, further legal action is on the way.
States against Trump tariffs
Britzker, who is himself a potential 2028 presidential candidate, wrote in his letter: Your taxes have created chaos among farmers, angered allies, and driven up food prices. Today, the Supreme Court justices you appointed declared these tariffs unconstitutional. The Supreme Court ruling struck down Trump’s tariff plan, which was set to take effect in April 2025 on global imports, dealing a major blow to his trade policy. Nevada, led by Treasurer Zach Konin, has filed a $2.1 billion lawsuit against the federal government. He said: Nevada residents suffered losses due to the tariffs, and now we can hold the Trump administration accountable for its actions.
Farmers’ pressure and the domestic economy
On the other hand, the National Association of American Farm Bureaus called on Trump to take a different path in tariff policy. Union President Zibi Dufal stressed that Trump’s efforts to create a “level playing field for American products and workers” were understandable, but the tariffs had caused agricultural prices to fall and production costs to rise. Dufal added: Given high inflation and the high costs of supplying raw materials, we urge the president to refrain from imposing new tariffs so as not to increase pressure on farmers.
Global repercussions of the court decision
The US Supreme Court decision also had global repercussions. French President Emmanuel Macron said at the Paris International Agricultural Fair: The existence of a supreme court and the rule of law are essential in democratic countries, and the court’s decision shows that the balance of power is important. He added that France will assess the effects of Trump’s 10% tariffs and prepare to continue exporting its agricultural and industrial products. In Europe, the chairman of the Parliament’s trade committee, Bernd Lange, said there was an opportunity to roll back illegal tariffs and predicted hundreds of thousands of applications would be filed in New York’s trade courts. He also noted that the current tariff agreement between the European Union and the United States lacks a legal basis and that parliament is considering amending it.
Reactions in Asia
In India, opposition parties called for the suspension and review of the trade deal with the US. Jairam Ramesh, a member of the Congress party, said: In light of the US Supreme Court’s decision, the Indian government should temporarily suspend and review the trade agreement. The Director General of the Indian Exporters’ Association also emphasized that the tariffs are no longer valid and the market has now become more competitive. In East Asia, Taiwan is closely following the US court’s decision to respond appropriately in implementing the $250 billion agreements and reducing tariffs. Japan has also said it will review the content of the ruling and make an appropriate response. China has not yet made an official comment due to the holiday, but officials in Hong Kong have called it a “failure of US tariff policy” and said the move could help maintain trade flows. South Korea also announced that a full review of the court’s decision and an appropriate response in line with national interests are on the agenda, and joint meetings between ministries are likely to be held.
The future of tariff refunds
Ben-Wharton estimates that about $175 billion in last year’s US tariff revenue could be reclaimed by court order. This $175 billion is actually taxes and revenue from import tariffs that the US government collected from companies and importers last year and, by court order, may be subject to refunds to states, companies, and in some cases, families and consumers who have suffered losses due to the tariffs.