What did Gavin Newsom say about Trump after the US Supreme Court struck down tariffs? His tweet is everywhere

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is calling for immediate repayment to Americans after the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that President Donald Trump exceeded his authority in imposing sweeping tariffs under emergency powers.


ALSO READ: Nancy Guthrie's case update: Sheriff Nanos believes the victim was held near home-here's what he meant

What did Gavin Newsom say about Trump in the tweet after the SCOTUS ruling?

After the Supreme Court ruled Trump’s emergency tariffs illegal, California Gov. Gavin Newsom demanded the Trump administration to return the money collected through what the court deemed illegal tariffs. The court’s 6-3 decision found Trump exceeded his authority, validating California’s lawsuit challenging tariffs that collected over $130 billion and raised consumer costs.

“Time to pay the piper, Donald.

Your tariffs were nothing more than an illegal cash grab that drove up prices, hurt working families, and wrecked longstanding global alliances.

Every dollar your administration unlawfully took needs to be immediately refunded — with interest. Cough up!"

Why is Gavin Newsom demanding refunds?

The governor pointed to the court’s ruling as confirmation of what California argued when it filed suit in April 2025. The state challenged Trump’s use of emergency powers to impose tariffs without congressional approval, calling the move unlawful and economically reckless, as per a report by Gov.CA.

According to Gavin Newsom, more than $130 billion was collected from importers under the tariffs. Those costs, he argued, were ultimately passed on to consumers through higher prices on everyday goods. A recent Yale report found the average family lost $1,751 last year as a result of the tariffs, as per a report by Gov.CA.

The Supreme Court’s decision rejected Trump’s attempt to bypass Congress and unilaterally raise taxes through emergency authority.

ALSO READ: SCOTUS ruling: Major issues to watch after the Supreme Court strikes down Trump's tariffs

What role did California play in the legal fight?

California was the first state to challenge the tariffs in court. Gavin Newsom’s administration filed suit to block the measures, arguing that federal law does not grant the president unchecked authority to impose sweeping import taxes.

Although Newsom previously lost a separate challenge, the broader ruling on Friday handed a victory to opponents ranging from conservative business interests to state leaders. The court found that Trump had overstepped his powers when applying tariffs on imports from major U.S. trade partners across Europe and Asia.

State agricultural leaders had also lobbied Congress to intervene, warning that retaliatory measures from foreign governments could cost California billions, as per a report by The Sacramento Bee.

ALSO READ: Supreme Court of the United States strikes down Trump tariffs — here’s which levies are affected

The Supreme Court’s ruling reshapes the legal boundaries of presidential trade powers. For Gavin Newsom, it also opens the door to a financial reckoning, one he says should put money back into the hands of American families and businesses without delay.

FAQs

Why does Gavin Newsom want refunds with interest?
He argues the tariffs were illegally imposed and that families paid higher prices as a result, so all unlawfully collected money should be returned.

What did the Supreme Court rule today?
The court ruled 6-3 that Trump lacked authority under emergency powers to impose sweeping tariffs without Congress.