WASHINGTON: United States President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance on Friday launched sharp criticism of the country’s top court and its justices after the Supreme Court of the United States struck down tariffs imposed by the White House.
Speaking during a 45-minute news conference at the White House, Trump criticised the six justices who ruled against his administration’s tariff policy in a 6-3 decision, including Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett, both of whom he appointed during his first term.
“I think it’s an embarrassment to their families,” Trump said, referring to the two justices, adding that he was “ashamed” of certain members of the court for not showing what he described as courage. He also alleged, without providing evidence, that the court had been influenced by foreign interests.
The president, however, praised the three dissenting justices — Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Brett Kavanaugh — commending their opinions and describing them as supportive of national interests.
Vice President Vance also criticised the ruling in a post on social media, accusing the court of “lawlessness” and arguing that Congress had granted the president authority to regulate imports.
The remarks mark an unusual public rebuke of the nine-member court, which currently includes a conservative majority and has frequently delivered rulings favourable to Trump-era policies.