WASHINGTON \u2014 President Donald Trump on Friday launched an extraordinary attack on the Supreme Court after it ruled against him on tariffs, describing justices in the majority as a \u201cdisgrace to our nation\u201d and \u201cvery unpatriotic and disloyal to the Constitution.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While praising the three dissenting justices in the 6-3 ruling that invalidated most of his tariffs, Trump suggested the majority was \u201cswayed by foreign interests\u201d and said the three Democratic appointees in the majority are \u201cfools and lapdogs\u201d to moderate Republicans and Democrats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Supreme Court\u2019s ruling on tariffs is deeply disappointing, and I\u2019m ashamed of certain members of the court, absolutely ashamed for not having the courage to do what\u2019s right for our country,\u201d Trump said in remarks at the White House.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The court has a 6-3 conservative majority that frequently rules in his favor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While presidents often criticize Supreme Court rulings that upend major policies, it is highly unusual for them to use such harsh and personal language. Two justices in the majority \u2014 Justices Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett \u2014 were appointed by Trump and have frequently ruled in his favor in other cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Trump could come face to face with at least some of the nine justices next week at his State of the Union address, which is being held on Tuesday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI couldn\u2019t care less if they come,\u201d Trump said during his remarks, in which he announced new tariffs to replace those the court struck down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Elaborating on his claim of foreign interference, Trump suggested without evidence that foreign interests have \u201cundue influence\u201d on the court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThey have a lot of influence over the Supreme Court. Whether it\u2019s through fear or respect or friendships, I don\u2019t know,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In criticizing the court, Trump did not mention any of the justices in the majority by name, but he explicitly praised the dissenters: Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Brett Kavanaugh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Trump singled out Kavanaugh, another of his appointees, for special praise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m so proud of him,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In response to a question from a reporter, Trump later addressed the votes taken by Barrett and Gorsuch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think their decision was terrible. I think it\u2019s an embarrassment to their families,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n