Donald Trump posted a warning that the United States will face a severe crisis if the Supreme Court overturns his tariff measures, noting America might have to pay trillions of dollars in compensation, which it cannot afford.
On 12 Jan 2026 GMT+7, U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social to warn about the consequences if the Supreme Court rules against the U.S. in the case concerning the tariff wall his administration imposed on global trading partners, stating that the U.S. might owe several trillion U.S. dollars in compensation, which it cannot pay.
"The actual amount we might have to repay, if the Supreme Court rules against the United States in the customs tariff case for any reason, could reach hundreds of billions of dollars. This does not even include the 'compensation' that countries and companies might claim because they invested in building factories, facilities, and machinery (in the U.S.) to avoid paying tariffs."
"Including those investments, we are talking about trillions of dollars! It would be utter chaos, and it would be nearly impossible for our country to pay."
"Anyone who says this matter can be handled quickly and easily is giving a wrong answer, is mistaken, or completely misunderstands this large and complex issue. It may well be impossible, but if it is possible, the amount of money involved would be so enormous that it would take years to determine how much we are talking about and even who to pay, when, and where."
"Remember, when America shines, the world shines too. Or put another way, if the Supreme Court rules against the United States on this national security treasure, we’re screwed! (WE’RE SCREWED!)"
The U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to issue rulings on various cases next on Wednesday, 14 Jan 2026 GMT+7, but it is unclear whether a decision on Trump's tariff case will be included.
However, the key issues to be decided are twofold: whether the government can use provisions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs, and if found inappropriate, whether the U.S. must refund tariffs already paid by importers.
The final ruling may also come as a compromise, potentially approving limited authority under IEEPA and requiring only partial refunds. There are also many other options to address this sensitive matter.
Moreover, even if the White House loses this case, it still has "other tools" it can use to impose customs tariffs without relying on the emergency powers specified in that law.
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Source:truthsocial,cnbc