US President Donald Trump warned on Sunday, August 31, that America would face ruin without the tariffs he imposed during his presidency. His comments came only days after a federal appeals court declared that most of those tariffs were illegal.

“Without Tariffs, and all of the TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS we have already taken in, our Country would be completely destroyed, and our military power would be instantly obliterated,” Trump wrote on TruthSocial.

Attack on judges

Trump criticized the 7–4 ruling by the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. He described the majority of judges as “a Radical Left group.” However, he praised one dissenting judge, calling him “a Democrat, Obama appointed,” and thanked him “for his Courage,” adding, “He loves and respects the USA.”

Court ruling and next step

On Friday, the appeals court ruled that Trump did not have the authority to place sweeping tariffs on nearly all imports. While the court struck down the duties, it allowed them to remain in place until October 14. This window gives Trump time to appeal the decision to the US Supreme Court.

Tariffs and global impact

Tariffs have long been a central pillar of Trump’s trade agenda. They have reshaped global commerce and caused friction with major economies. India, for example, has faced a steep 50 percent tariff, one of the highest, because of its continued purchases of Russian oil.

Navarro backs Trump

Peter Navarro, Trump’s former trade adviser, supported his stance during an appearance on Fox News. He dismissed the majority judges as “politicians in black robes.” Navarro also said the dissenting views offered “a very clear road map to how the Supreme Court can certainly rule in our favor.”

He further argued that the tariffs were not meant to be permanent. Still, he echoed Trump’s warning, saying, “We feel very optimistic. If we lose the case, President Trump is right. It will be the end of the United States.”