‘Embarrassment To Their Families’: Trump's Personal Attack On Supreme Court Justices Over Tariff Ruling

Last Updated:February 21, 2026, 07:35 IST

Trump suggested, without providing evidence, that the Supreme Court’s ruling had been influenced by external actors.

US President Donald Trump launched a personal attack on members of the Supreme Court who struck down his global tariffs, accusing some justices- including two he appointed- of being “swayed by foreign interests."

“I’m ashamed of certain members of the court, absolutely ashamed, for not having the courage to do what’s right for our country," Trump said at a White House press conference.

“They’re very unpatriotic and disloyal to our Constitution," he said, dismissing them as “fools and lap dogs."

The Supreme Court’s 6–3 decision marked Trump’s first major legal setback on tariffs since returning to office, even as the court has otherwise largely ruled in favour of his administration. Chief Justice John Roberts joined justices Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuchbot- h Trump nominees- along with the court’s three liberal justices in the majority ruling declaring Trump’s sweeping global tariffs illegal.

Asked whether he regretted appointing Barrett and Gorsuch, Trump stopped short of directly criticising his own selections but condemned their decision.

Read more: ‘Adjustment Process Begins’: Trump Announces New 10% Global Tariff After Supreme Court Ruling

“I don’t want to say whether or not I regret," he said, adding, “I think their decision was terrible. I think it’s an embarrassment to their families if you want to know the truth, the two of them."

Trump, however, praised the three dissenting conservative justices- Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Brett Kavanaugh- thanking them for “their strength and wisdom, and love of our country."

He singled out Kavanaugh, who authored a lengthy dissent, calling him a “genius" and saying he was “so proud of him."

Trump also suggested, without providing evidence, that the court’s ruling had been influenced by external actors.

“It’s my opinion that the court has been swayed by foreign interests," he said, continuing, “I think that foreign interests are represented by people that I believe have undue influence."

“They have a lot of influence over the Supreme Court, whether it’s through fear or respect or friendships, I don’t know," he added.

Pressed by reporters on whether he had proof, Trump replied: “You’re going to find out."

US Vice President JD Vance echoed the criticism, calling the ruling “lawlessness from the court, plain and simple."

Trump also signalled his displeasure in personal terms, saying only the three dissenting justices were “happily invited" to his upcoming State of the Union address, while the others were “invited, barely."

“I couldn’t care less if they come," he said.

News world ‘Embarrassment To Their Families’: Trump's Personal Attack On Supreme Court Justices Over Tariff Ruling

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