"Reciprocal tariffs necessary for security"…Trump's 'public opinion campaign' ahead of Supreme Court ruling

U.S. President Donald Trump is waging a public opinion campaign aimed at the U.S. Supreme Court, which is hearing the legality of the 'reciprocal tariffs' he has effectively imposed on virtually the entire world. Observers say he is continuing to apply pressure while arguing that reciprocal tariffs are legal and efficient.

On the 7th (local time), President Trump wrote on the social media platform Truth Social regarding his imposition of tariffs based on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) that it is "much more direct, less cumbersome, and much faster" and that "all of this is necessary for strong and resolute national security."

He said, "Speed, force, and certainty are always elements necessary to continuously and successfully accomplish a mission."

He added, "Thanks to the powers granted to the U.S. president, I resolved eight wars in 10 months," and said, "If these countries thought this right did not exist, they would have said loudly and clearly that it did not."

On the 29th of last month, Trump also urged, "Evil and America-hating forces are fighting us in the U.S. Supreme Court," and called on people to "pray to God that the nine justices exercise great wisdom and do the right thing for America."

Enacted in 1977, IEEPA has mainly been used to impose sanctions on hostile nations or to freeze assets. President Trump is the first to impose tariffs under IEEPA.

Upon entering his second term, President Trump invoked IEEPA to declare large trade deficits a 'national emergency' and imposed reciprocal tariffs on all trading partners. The Trump administration's position is that IEEPA's 'import regulation' authority granted to the president includes tariffs.

The Supreme Court is continuing hearings to determine the illegality of the reciprocal tariffs President Trump imposed on other countries based on IEEPA. Some analysts say the Supreme Court's decision could come within this month.

In prior first and second instance rulings, courts found that imposing tariffs under IEEPA, including the reciprocal tariffs and the so-called 'fentanyl tariffs,' exceeded the president's authority.

Kim Dae-young, Hankyung.com reporter kdy@hankyung.com