US President Donald Trump announced a global tariff increase on Saturday, raising the rate from 10% to 15% on imports from all countries. The move comes less than a day after the Supreme Court struck down his previous tariff policy as illegal. Trump criticized the court’s decision, calling it a “disgrace to the nation.” He said the increase was legal under section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. This law allows the president to impose tariffs up to 15% for 150 days before seeking congressional approval. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the hike would target countries “ripping off the US for decades” and emphasized that the new rate was fully legal. He also indicated that his administration would work on issuing further tariffs that comply with the law during the 150 days. While Trump said the new tariffs would take effect immediately, official documents confirming the timing are not yet public. A White House fact sheet for the previous 10% tariff said it would start at 12:01 a.m. ET on Tuesday, 24 February. International leaders expressed concern over the new tariffs. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he would travel to Washington with a unified European approach. He warned that uncertainty over tariffs damages global economies. “Tariffs harm everyone,” Merz said. French President Emmanuel Macron called the Supreme Court ruling a positive sign of democracy and legal balance. He stated that France would consider the effects of the 15% global tariff and that “reciprocity” is the fairest trade principle. The increase also raises questions for countries like the UK, which had agreed on a 10% tariff with the US. William Bain, head of trade policy at the British Chamber of Commerce, said the rise would hurt trade, US consumers, and global economic growth. Trump said some products will be exempt from the temporary tariffs. These include critical minerals, metals, pharmaceuticals, and USMCA-compliant goods from Canada and Mexico. Industry-specific tariffs on steel, aluminum, lumber, and autos remain unaffected. These levies were imposed under separate US laws and continue in force. Trump has pursued aggressive tariffs to boost US manufacturing. The US has already collected at least $130 billion under the previous tariff rules. Studies indicate that 90% of this cost was paid by US businesses and consumers. US business groups are calling for refunds following the Supreme Court ruling. However, Trump has warned that reimbursements will require lengthy legal battles. Trump continued to attack the Supreme Court in his social media posts. He praised dissenting justices Brett Kavanaugh, Clarence Thomas, and Samuel Alito but criticized other members, including two of his appointees, Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch. He described them as “unpatriotic” and “disloyal to our constitution.” Analysts warn that the sudden tariff increase could intensify global trade tensions and slow economic growth. Countries affected by the hike may consider retaliatory measures. The temporary 15% tariff could create weeks of uncertainty for businesses and consumers both in the US and abroad. Despite legal and political challenges, Trump has positioned the tariff increase as a priority to protect US economic interests. The next steps will involve monitoring international responses and preparing new legally permissible trade measures.