Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Sunday that it is “very unlikely” the Supreme Court will block President Donald Trump’s use of emergency powers to impose broad new tariffs. Speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press, Bessent said a ruling could come as soon as this week, with a decision expected before the end of the court’s current term.
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Bessent argued that the court is unlikely to overturn what he called Trump’s signature economic policy. He referenced previous Supreme Court decisions, including the ruling upholding the Affordable Care Act, noting that the justices often avoid actions that could create economic or political instability.
His remarks followed Trump’s announcement of new tariffs on European goods, which the president said would remain in place until a “Complete and Total purchase of Greenland” is secured. While Trump did not cite a specific law, the proposed tariffs mirror those previously imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
Under the plan, tariffs would target goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland. Rates would start at 10 percent on February 1 and rise to 25 percent by June 1. The Supreme Court is considering whether IEEPA grants the president authority to impose tariffs in response to an “unusual and extraordinary threat.”
Bessent defended the tariffs as a national security measure, saying the approach is intended to prevent conflict through economic leverage rather than military action. He described the strategy as a way to avoid a “hot war” amid rising global tensions.
European leaders strongly rejected the move, issuing a joint statement warning that tariff threats could harm transatlantic relations and increase tensions. Despite the criticism, the Trump administration maintains that U.S. interest in Greenland is critical to national security as Russia and China expand their Arctic presence, and officials report that diplomatic discussions with Denmark and Greenland are ongoing.
Benjamin Harris is a RapidReports front page contributor and editor,proud father of four.
