Episode Details

1. Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump’s Tariffs Under IEEPA

• The Supreme Court ruled 6–3 that President Trump’s tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) exceeded legal authority.
• Justices Roberts, Gorsuch, and Barrett joined the liberal justices in the majority.
• The ruling states the President cannot impose monetary tariffs under IEEPA, though he can still cut off trade, impose embargoes, or restrict commerce.

2. Trump Responds by Announcing a New 10% Global Tariff

• Immediately after the ruling, Trump held a press briefing announcing:
  • A 10% global tariff imposed under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, not under IEEPA.
  • Existing Section 232 (national security) and Section 301 (trade retaliation) tariffs remain unchanged.
• He argues these alternative authorities give him broad tariff powers, possibly stronger than IEEPA.

3. Trump Strongly Criticizes the Supreme Court Majority

• He expresses disappointment and anger toward the majority justices, accusing them of:
  • Weakness
  • Being swayed by political or foreign interests
  • Acting against American economic interests
• He praises Justices Thomas, Alito, and Kavanaugh for their dissent.

4. Trump Claims the Ruling Gives Him Other Powerful Trade Tools

• Despite the setback, Trump asserts the ruling:
  • Confirms his ability to ban, block, embargo, or license trade under IEEPA—just not charge tariff fees.
  • Leaves intact several other statutes authorizing tariffs.
• He cites Kavanaugh’s dissent noting the President still retains broad tariff authority under other laws.

5. DOJ Issues New Subpoenas Related to 2016 Russia Investigation

• The Justice Department issued new subpoenas connected to:
  • Individuals involved in shaping the intelligence community’s 2016 Russia-interference assessment.
  • The government’s handling of Russian election interference.
• Subpoenas seek records extending beyond the original timeline of the 2016–2017 assessments.

6. Renewed Scrutiny of Intelligence Community Conduct

• Former CIA Director John Brennan is a target of inquiry.
• House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan referred Brennan for criminal prosecution, alleging false testimony about his involvement in including the Steele dossier in the intelligence assessment.
• Critics allege:
  • Brennan and others were motivated by anti-Trump bias.
  • The Steele dossier was improperly incorporated.
  • Government officials abused power to undermine Trump.

7. Context on the Russia Investigation

• • Russia conducted a “sweeping and systematic” influence campaign.
  • No criminal conspiracy was established between the Trump campaign and Russia.
• It portrays the Russia probe as:
  • A political attack.
  • A “coup” to undermine Trump’s presidency.

5. DOJ Issues New Subpoenas Related to 2016 Russia Investigation

• The Justice Department issued new subpoenas connected to:
  • Individuals involved in shaping the intelligence community’s 2016 Russia-interference assessment.
  • The government’s handling of Russian election interference.
• Subpoenas seek records extending beyond the original timeline of the 2016–2017 assessments.

6. Renewed Scrutiny of Intelligence Community