Trump will use other tariff authorities to get to ‘same place’ if Supreme Court rules against him: Hassett

National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett recently discussed the White House’s potential backup plan in case the Supreme Court rules against President Donald Trump’s emergency powers to impose tariffs. In an interview on CNBC’s “Squawk on the Street,” Hassett mentioned that if the administration’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) is deemed unlawful, they have other legal authorities at their disposal to achieve similar trade deals with other countries.

Hassett highlighted that there was a strategic discussion involving key officials about alternative measures that could be implemented if the Supreme Court rules against the current tariffs. He emphasized that these alternative tools could be deployed promptly to achieve the desired outcomes. Despite expressing confidence in a favorable ruling, he assured that the administration is prepared with contingency plans to maintain their trade agreements.

It was noted that U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has played a significant role in developing these contingency plans. The Supreme Court’s decision day passed without a verdict on the legality of Trump’s tariffs, leaving the administration to await further developments.

In addition to his role in trade policy discussions, Hassett is also a contender for the position of Federal Reserve chair. As President Trump approaches a decision on selecting a successor to Jerome Powell, who is set to finish his term in May, Hassett acknowledged that he is content in his current role and open to the president’s decision on his future responsibilities.

It is worth noting that an earlier version of the article misspelled Jamieson Greer’s name as “Jamison.” This correction has been made to accurately reflect his position as the U.S. trade representative.

Overall, the White House remains vigilant in its approach to trade policy, with contingency plans in place to navigate potential legal challenges and ensure continuity in their international agreements. The administration’s commitment to upholding its trade objectives underscores the importance of strategic planning and adaptability in a dynamic global economic landscape.