November 3, 2025

Believe it or not, President Donald Trump is facing significant challenges. His approval ratings on economic management are alarmingly low, with surveys indicating that between 55% to 60% of Americans disapprove of his performance on this crucial front. This issue was a cornerstone of his successful White House campaign just a year ago. Now, his plummeting popularity could potentially loosen his grip on the Republican Party and spell trouble in the upcoming midterm elections, threatening his legislative agenda and possibly triggering new investigations.
In a surprising turn of events, the Supreme Court may prove to be Trump’s unexpected savior. The court is set to deliberate on whether Trump has the constitutional and statutory authority to impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). While the Constitution explicitly grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, Trump has leveraged the IEEPA to impose significant tariffs for reasons as trivial as personal displeasures with foreign leaders or advertisements.
The consequences could be dire if the Supreme Court rules against Trump. Historically, Trump has not taken losses well, often doubling down rather than conceding defeat. However, let's assume he does the improbable and gracefully accepts a loss. This could lead to a surprising positive twist for his administration.
By reverting tariffs to their pre-imposition levels, international trade could see a resurgence, potentially lowering the inflated prices of imports like Brazilian coffee and French wines. Though a dramatic drop in prices is unlikely, any improvement in inflation could help mend Trump's economic image.
Moreover, the certainty restored in the market could encourage businesses to resume building and hiring, buoyed by the knowledge that future tariffs would need to undergo a more rigorous and thoughtful process. This could give the stock market a much-needed boost.
Ultimately, the Supreme Court’s decision to curb the president's unilateral tariff powers could inadvertently alleviate some of the economic pressures contributing to public discontent with Trump’s economic policies. This scenario depends heavily on the Supreme Court’s firm stance and Trump’s willingness to abide by their ruling.
The potential for the Supreme Court to inadvertently bolster Trump’s struggling economic reputation highlights the intricate balance of power and the unpredictable interplay of legal and political forces. Whether this will manifest as a boon to Trump’s presidency remains to be seen, but the implications are significant as the nation watches closely.