California Governor Gavin Newsom is calling out Donald Trump on his economic chaos and legal defiance after moving to reimpose tariffs immediately after the Supreme Court ruled against his favorite toy—tariffs.
In a 6–3 decision, the Supreme Court curtailed Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose sweeping tariffs. However, rather than retreat ot respect a co-equal branch of government, Trump announced a new 10 percent global tariff—that he then changed to 15 percent—under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, unilaterally making this decision without congressional approval.
During a Sunday interview on CNN with Dana Bash, Newsom dismissed the strategy as erratic and economically destabilizing. He questioned how any manufacturer could make long-term investment decisions amid what he described as constantly shifting tariff rates. “It was 10 percent two days ago, maybe 20 percent tomorrow,” he said, stating that businesses need certainty—not volatility.
“I mean, this is madness,” Newsom continued. “He’s flailing. He’s a punch-drunk boxer. He’s just trying to hit anything, a shadow. And he’s a shadow of himself. He’s lost a step or two.”
Newsom noted that California was the first state to challenge the administration’s earlier tariff stunt under IEEPA. He said the state’s legal arguments were reflected in the Court’s ruling, pointing to Chief Justice John Roberts’ opinion as validation that the initial action was unlawful. Now, Newsom contends, the administration should refund the money collected and do so immediately.
He claimed that the federal government has the technical capacity to issue electronic refunds, noting that tariff codes and payment systems are already in place. For American families, he stated estimates of the cost were roughly $1,701 annually.
Newsom: ‘This Is Unprecedented Grift Happening In Real Time’
Newsom broadened his critique beyond the legal fight. He cited recent GDP and inflation figures as evidence of what he called a “wrecking ball presidency,” blaming tariffs, mass deportations, and tax cuts for the wealthy for weakening economic performance. In his telling, the president’s approach is less a coherent trade policy than a series of reactive maneuvers.
He also raised ethical concerns, pointing out that Trump has used tariff threats in the past to advance personal business interests abroad. “You know exactly what he did in Vietnam with the tariffs,” Newsom told Bash. “He used them to get a deal on his golf course to fast-track his development.” He further stated, “this is unprecedented grift happening in real time.”
For Newsom, the Supreme Court’s decision marked a “profound moment,” not just legally but politically, exposing what he views as overreach and instability at the center of the administration’s economic agenda.
