Donald Trump will win his appeal against the court ruling that blocked his “liberation day” tariffs, according to National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, who criticised the judges involved as “activists.”
Speaking to Fox Business, Hassett said the administration remained confident it could overturn the decision, arguing that the ongoing opioid crisis, particularly the influx of fentanyl, justified the use of emergency economic powers.
“These activist judges are trying to slow down something right in the middle of really important negotiations,” he said. “The idea that the fentanyl crisis in America is not an emergency is so appalling to me that I’m sure when we appeal, this decision will be overturned.”
The comments follow a ruling by the U.S. Court of International Trade that invalidated most of Trump’s tariffs, stating he lacked the authority under emergency powers to impose sweeping import duties on trade partners.
Trump had introduced additional tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada in a bid to pressure them into taking tougher action against the illegal fentanyl trade. A 10% blanket tariff was also applied to nearly all other nations.
Hassett added that the administration had “three or four other ways” to advance its trade agenda if the appeal fails.
“In a month or two, you’re going to see countries opening their markets to American products, lowering non-tariff barriers, and reducing tariffs,” he claimed.
Peter Navarro, Trump’s senior trade adviser, echoed the sentiment in an interview with Bloomberg TV: “We think we have a strong case. Yes, we will immediately appeal and try to stay the ruling.”
Navarro added, “Interestingly enough, the court basically said we were right but just used different rules and laws. So nothing has really changed here. Countries are still calling us wanting deals. These deals are going to happen.”
U.S. stock markets responded positively to the ruling at the open. The S&P 500 rose 0.7%, while the Nasdaq climbed 1.4%, though both later gave back some of those gains.
