Trump Gives Chilling Warning During Melt Down: ‘I Could Destroy the Country’

President Donald Trump erupted Friday after the U.S. Supreme Court shut down one of his most aggressive economic tools — ruling that he illegally imposed sweeping emergency tariffs without clear approval from Congress.

Within hours of the 6–3 decision, Trump stepped in front of reporters and delivered a rambling defense that stunned even longtime critics.

“I can do anything I wanted to do to them, but can’t charge any money,” Trump said, referring to foreign nations. “I’m allowed to destroy the country, but it can’t be a little fee.”

The remarks came after the high court ruled that Trump misused the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA, to justify global tariffs. The law, passed in 1977, gives presidents authority to respond to national emergencies involving foreign threats — but it has never been used to impose broad import taxes.

In a majority opinion written by Chief Justice John Roberts, the Court made clear that Trump had overstepped.

“The president asserts the extraordinary power to unilaterally impose tariffs of unlimited amount, duration, and scope,” Roberts wrote. “He must identify clear congressional authorization to exercise it.”

Roberts added that IEEPA “contains no reference to tariffs or duties” and noted that no previous president had interpreted the law to allow such sweeping taxation authority.

Legal scholars say the ruling reinforces a basic constitutional principle: Congress controls the power to tax.

“This is a separation-of-powers decision, plain and simple,” said Georgetown law professor Elena Ramirez. “The Court is reminding the White House that emergency powers are not blank checks.”

Rather than back down, Trump doubled down.

He announced plans to sign a new order imposing a “10 percent global tariff under Section 122,” arguing that he still has “very powerful alternatives” available.

“I would have used one penny,” Trump said. “But we don’t make pennies anymore. We save money. Can’t charge one dollar — not one dollar — under IEEPA.”

He suggested the Court’s decision was designed to “protect other countries” rather than American workers.

Economists warn that additional across-the-board tariffs could raise prices for U.S. consumers already dealing with inflation pressures.

“Tariffs are taxes,” said Mark Feldman, a former Treasury Department adviser. “American families ultimately pay them at the checkout line.”

Later in the day, Trump escalated his rhetoric, accusing the Supreme Court of being “swayed by foreign interests” and intimidated by what he called a “loud political movement.”

“I won by millions of votes,” he claimed. “Too big to rig. And certain justices are afraid to do the right thing.”

The comments echo Trump’s long-running pattern of attacking institutions — from courts to intelligence agencies — when rulings or findings don’t go his way.

The decision could trigger a financial reckoning. Companies that paid tariffs under the now-invalidated emergency orders are expected to seek refunds, potentially totaling billions of dollars.

Trade groups are already preparing legal claims.

Meanwhile, congressional Democrats signaled they will push back if Trump attempts another end-run around legislative authority.

“No president gets to declare himself a one-man tax authority,” said one senior House Democrat. “That’s not how our Constitution works.”

The Supreme Court’s ruling may mark one of the most significant checks on Trump’s executive power this term. But judging from Friday’s remarks, the fight over trade — and over the limits of presidential authority — is far from over.