Washington: President Donald Trump on Thursday defended his tariff policy as the Supreme Court considers whether to overturn a measure central to his economic agenda. “Thanks to the fact that we got elected on Nov. 5, and thanks to what I call the Trump tariffs, business and steel is booming again,” Trump said after touring a Coosa Steel Corp. facility in Georgia. He noted that a significant order secured by the factory in October was attributed to the effects of tariffs.

According to Anadolu Agency, Trump claimed that the tariffs were generating substantial revenue, estimated to reach $900 million next year, contingent on the Supreme Court’s decision. Trump expressed disbelief over the need to justify the tariffs, which he described as “common sense,” and argued that they had produced $12 billion in revenue. He stated that this revenue supported farmers who had been disadvantaged by foreign nations.

The Supreme Court’s impending decision could significantly impact Trump’s authority to impose global tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The case raises questions about whether this act permits the president to enact tariffs without clear limitations. The Constitution delegates tariff-setting power to Congress, and challengers argue that Trump has overstepped his authority.

The justices engaged in nearly three hours of oral arguments in November, offering little indication of their leanings despite the court’s conservative majority. A ruling against the tariffs could have financial repercussions for the administration, which has already distributed $12 billion in tariff revenue to farmers and projects substantial tariff revenue for the upcoming year.