White House Slams Judges as ‘Activist’ After Trump Tariff Ruling

White House Slams Judges as 'Activist' After Trump Tariff Ruling

The White House isn’t mincing words after a major trade setback. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt blasted a panel of federal judges who ruled against key Trump-era tariffs, calling them “activist judges” bent on blocking executive authority.

Leavitt’s sharp rebuke came after the U.S. Court of International Trade struck down broad tariffs that former President Donald Trump had imposed using emergency economic powers. The panel ruled that the administration overstepped its legal bounds under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

“These kinds of rulings make it impossible for a president—any president—to negotiate trade deals confidently,” Leavitt said during a press briefing on Wednesday. “America cannot function if activist judges keep handcuffing the executive branch.”

Her remarks follow the court’s decision to permanently block enforcement of the tariffs, stating the IEEPA didn’t justify such sweeping action. The court’s three-judge panel included appointees from Presidents Reagan, Obama, and Trump—a mix that the White House argues only adds to their frustration.

“This is judicial overreach, plain and simple,” Leavitt added, accusing the judiciary of stepping into territory meant for elected officials. The administration says it’s already preparing an appeal and will seek a fast-track review from the Supreme Court.

For now, a federal appeals court has temporarily reinstated the tariffs while legal battles continue. But the White House is clearly gearing up for a long fight to defend one of Trump’s signature trade moves.