Rep. McBride Statement on Trump’s Illegal Tariffs

Wilmington, DE - Congresswoman Sarah McBride (DE-AL) released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court's decision in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, which declared President Trump's global tariffs and tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China under the International Emergency Economic Powers Actillegal:

"For nearly a year, Donald Trump imposed what amounts to a reckless, nationwide sales tax on the American people. Today, the Supreme Court affirmed what my Democratic colleagues and I have been saying all along: these tariffs were illegal, and the Constitution makes clear that only Congress-not the president-has the authority to impose them.

"In the meantime, families, farmers, and small businesses here in Delaware and across the country have paid the price. Costs have gone up. Consumers' pocketbooks have been squeezed. The president overstepped his constitutional authority-and not even two of the justices he nominated could support that overreach. This decision is our system of checks and balances at work.

"While this ruling is welcome, I am deeply concerned about what comes next. A new 10 percent global tariff will only raise costs further and create more instability here at home and with our allies abroad. There are also serious questions about refunds for those who have borne the brunt of these tariffs and how the administration will ensure consumers-not just large corporations-will receive the refunds they're owed.

"Tariffs can be a legitimate policy tool when used strategically and in coordination with Congress. But reckless, unilateral trade policy creates uncertainty, raises costs, and undermines our economic stability.

"Delawareans deserve trade policy rooted in stability and accountability-not chaos and overreach. And if the president truly respected the rule of law, he would accept the Court's decision instead of searching for ways around it."

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