GA Leaders Speak On SCOTUS Ruling On Trump's Illegal Tariffs

Georgia leaders are torn after Friday's ruling by the Supreme Court that President Donald Trump's global tariffs violate federal law.

In a majority opinion written by Chief Justice John Roberts, the judges agreed by a vote of 6-3 that the sweeping "reciprocal" tariffs Trump levied on nearly every country in the world are unlawful.

The ruling, the first of Trump's wider agenda to appear before SCOTUS since the start of his second term last year, is seen as a major blow to the president. In the past, Trump has repeatedly described the case as one of the most important in U.S. history, claiming the country is "screwed" if the tariffs are struck down.

Trump, who appointed three conservative justices to SCOTUS during his first term, called Friday's decision by the nation's highest court a "disgrace" while hosting governors at a White House breakfast, CNN reported.

In a Truth Social post mid-afternoon, Trump further shared his disdain for the court's decision.

"The Supreme Court’s Ruling on TARIFFS is deeply disappointing," he wrote. "I am ashamed of certain Members of the Court for not having the Courage to do what is right for our Country."

RELATED: Supreme Court Rules On Trump's Sweeping Tariffs

Opinions on the matter vary from some of the Republicans and Democrats representing Georgia in Congress.

U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter, R-GA, appeared dismayed after learning of SCOTUS' decision.

"The Supreme Court just undercut the President’s ability to defend American workers," he tweeted Friday. "President Donald Trump was elected to fight unfair trade and stop the United States from being ripped off. I’m outraged by this decision; it's clearly judicial overreach."

Meanwhile, Georgia Democrats celebrated the ruling. U.S. Sen. Rev. Raphael Warnock called it "good news."

"Sadly, this President is absolutely dedicated to making you pay these taxes," he tweeted. "He's going to try other ways to keep them in place. I will continue voting to block Trump's reckless tariffs in the Senate."

Longtime U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, who has represented Georgia's 4th congressional district since 2007, said SCOTUS "has finally found some backbone. (Brett) Kavanaugh's dissent warns the decision will cause a 'mess.' Too bad he doesn't see that this Court's pro-Trump rulings already made a huge 'mess.' We must clean house in November so the cleanup can begin."

Fellow Democratic U.S. Rep. David Scott said Trump's tariff restrictions have impacted Americans for months. He called the ruling "a victory."

"These tariffs acted as a hidden tax on everyday goods, driving up costs for farmers, manufacturers, and families already struggling with the rising cost of living," Scott tweeted. "The Supreme Court made clear that no president has the authority to unilaterally tax the American people. This ruling is a victory for our working families, small businesses and the rule of law."

Imposed by Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the tariffs have drawn scrutiny worldwide including in the United States from business leaders and organizations.

The ruling came a day after Trump's visit to Rome, where he spoke at Coosa Steel Corporation.

The president was in town to show support for his gubernatorial picks to replace Gov. Brian Kemp, as well as former U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene; but, reportedly, Trump had trouble staying on topic as he ventured into his long-lived allegations that the 2020 election was stolen.

In the opening minutes of his first stop at a local restaurant before touring Coosa Steel, Trump raised debunked claims of voter fraud, talked up his plan to require voters to show identification before casting ballots and discussed the recent FBI raid of election offices in the state's most populous county.

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“They came in, they took all those ballots; all those crooked ballots were taken,” Trump said. “And the Democrats are fighting like h---. They don’t want anyone to see those ballots. Let’s see what happens.”

Later at Coosa Steel Corporation, the president charged that Democrats “cheated like dogs” in the 2020 election.

The White House has long said Trump would focus more on the economy, and he frequently complains that he doesn’t get enough credit for it. But recent months have been dominated by other issues, including deadly clashes during deportation efforts in Minneapolis, potential military action in Iran and his false claims that the 2020 election was stolen.

Trump's destination in Georgia suggests he has something else on his mind, too. He was appearing in the congressional district previously represented by Greene, a former supporter who resigned in January after feuding with Trump.

There's a special election to replace her on March 10.

The Associated Press contributed reporting and writing.