Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Sunday that it is “very unlikely” the Supreme Court will block President Donald Trump’s use of emergency powers to impose broad new tariffs. Speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press, Bessent said a ruling is expected before the end of the court’s term and could come as soon as this week.
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Bessent argued the court is unlikely to overturn what he described as Trump’s signature economic policy. He pointed to past Supreme Court decisions, including its refusal to strike down the Affordable Care Act, saying the justices generally avoid rulings that could create economic or political instability.
His comments came one day after Trump announced plans to impose new tariffs on European goods until what he called a “Complete and Total purchase of Greenland” is secured. While Trump did not cite a specific statute, the move mirrors tariffs he has already imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA.
Under the plan, tariffs on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland would begin at 10 percent on Feb. 1 and increase to 25 percent by June 1. The Supreme Court is currently weighing whether IEEPA gives the president authority to impose such tariffs in response to what the law defines as an “unusual and extraordinary threat.”
Bessent defended the tariffs as a legitimate emergency measure tied to national security. He said the strategy is designed to prevent future conflict by using U.S. economic leverage rather than military force, calling it a way to avoid a “hot war” as global tensions rise.
European leaders strongly rejected the move, issuing a joint statement warning that tariff threats could damage transatlantic relations and escalate tensions. Despite the pushback, the Trump administration continues to argue that U.S. control of Greenland is essential to national security as Russia and China expand their presence in the Arctic, and officials say diplomatic talks with Denmark and Greenland remain ongoing.[/read]