Following a U.S. appeals court ruling that declared the tariffs illegal, U.S. President Donald Trump defended his reciprocal tariffs as vital measures to protect American workers and businesses.

Dismissing the court’s decision as “highly partisan,” Trump emphasised that the tariffs remain in force and expressed confidence that the Supreme Court will ultimately uphold them.

“Today, a Highly Partisan Appeals Court incorrectly said that our Tariffs should be removed, but they know the United States of America will win in the end. If these Tariffs ever went away, it would be a total disaster for the Country. It would make us financially weak, and we have to be strong,” Trump wrote in his post on Truth Social on Saturday.

He added that the U.S. no longer intends to ‘tolerate’ tariff and non-tariff trade barriers imposed by friend or enemy countries, emphasising the need to give access to manufacturers and farmers. Agriculture has been a key issue of contention between India and the U.S.

“The U.S.A. will no longer tolerate enormous Trade Deficits and unfair Tariffs and Non-Tariff Trade Barriers imposed by other Countries, friend or foe, that undermine our Manufacturers, Farmers, and everyone else. If allowed to stand, this Decision would literally destroy the United States of America,” he added.

He also confirmed that the administration will appeal the decision of the appeals court in the country’s Supreme Court.

“At the start of this Labour Day weekend, we should all remember that TARIFFS are the best tool to help our Workers, and support Companies that produce great MADE IN AMERICA products. For many years, Tariffs were allowed to be used against us by our uncaring and unwise Politicians. Now, with the help of the United States Supreme Court, we will use them to the benefit of our Nation, and Make America Rich, Strong, and Powerful Again,” he added.

What was the court’s decision?

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit had ruled, on Friday, that most of Trump’s tariffs are illegal, with a 7–4 majority.

Affirming a lower court’s decision, the court held that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not grant presidents the authority to impose tariffs unless it is a national emergency. Trump had repeatedly cited the Act to justify his actions.

However, the court has allowed the tariffs to remain in place until mid-October, pending the Trump administration’s appeal to the Supreme Court.

Yet, the ruling only covers Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs introduced from April, including the 25% reciprocal tariffs imposed on India, as well as a separate set of tariffs against China, Canada, and Mexico introduced in February. Neither does it cover the steel and aluminium tariffs imposed under other laws, nor the ad valorem duties, including the additional 25% imposed on India.