The continuous – and increasingly ridiculous – import tariff threats by the American president, makes me wonder if he already knows the forthcoming SCOTUS verdict. Losing could well explain his ridiculous threats. Winning could, however, also explain the forthcoming SCOTUS verdict.
The absence of that verdict – about the legality of import tariffs – could well imply that even conservative SCOTUS judges are against those (volatile) imports tariffs. His import tariff threats make a negative verdict more likely. A positive verdict would already have been issued by now.
While a positive verdict would be similar to (conservative) political correctness, the reasons for the Supreme Court of the United States to issue a negative verdict would (amongst others) relate to these:
- Domestic:
- import tariffs cause inflation and will hurt the American economy;
- a (partial) absorption of that inflation, by American businesses, will hurt their profits;
- International:
- despite Trump’s intention, import tariffs will hurt American customers in the absence of substitution;
- the shallow quality of American goods explain the American need for foreign imports.
Hence, I’m quite convinced that the American president knows about a negative SCOTUS verdict. He will then hide his erratic behaviour behind that verdict, and will blame SCOTUS for (i) opposing King Donald, and (ii) for losing the 2026 U.S. midterm elections. His supporters will “buy” that.
I just hope that the European Union will use pragmatism over ideology and will wait for that imminent SCOTUS verdict. Using a “trade bazooka” against the USA at this moment, will be like shooting yourself in the foot.
If not then Trump could “easily” declare an economic war against Europe. He could then – finally – claim the (executive) powers that he does not (yet) have.
The 1976 hit song, I’m Your Boogie Man, came to my mind while writing this.
UPDATE:
- New York Times, 20 January 2026:
- Title: Trump’s Trade Negotiator Says Response to Court Loss Would Be Immediate
- NYT subtitle: “If the Supreme Court rules against its tariffs, the Trump administration would begin replacing them immediately, said Jamieson Greer, the United States Trade Representative.”
I’m Your Boogie Man (1976) by KC & The Sunshine Band
band, lyrics, video, Wiki-band, Wiki-song
[Verse 1]
I’m your boogie man, that’s what I am
I’m here to do whatever I can
Be it early morning, late afternoon
Or at midnight, it’s never too soon
Note: all markings (bold, italic, underlining) by LO unless in quotes or stated otherwise
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