The Trump administration has warned that refunds for tariffs recently struck down by the US Supreme Court will not be immediate. The Department of Justice said in court documents that the process “will take time,” signaling delays for businesses seeking reimbursement. Many companies, including FedEx, have already applied for refunds of tariffs they paid. The Supreme Court ruled last week that several of these tariffs were imposed illegally, sparking sharp criticism from former President Donald Trump. Trump claimed the refunds could cost the US government hundreds of billions of dollars. On social media, he said he was “sure the Supreme Court did not have this in mind” and called the ruling “highly disappointing.” He added that countries and companies that benefited from US trade in the past decades could now get an “undeserved windfall.” Despite Trump’s public remarks questioning whether the case could be reheard, the Justice Department did not indicate any plans to request a new review from the Supreme Court. Since the court’s decision, dozens of companies have filed claims seeking reimbursement. These businesses join hundreds of others who had already filed suits in anticipation of the ruling. The legal challenge represents a major setback for Trump’s trade policies, which were a cornerstone of his economic agenda. Trump reacted angrily to the Supreme Court’s decision, calling the ruling a rebuke and vowing to impose new tariffs in a “more powerful and obnoxious way” on countries that do not comply with his trade goals. The Supreme Court determined that a 1977 law, designed to address national emergencies, did not give the administration the authority to impose most of these global tariffs. This ruling overturned a key element of Trump’s trade strategy, leaving his administration to search for alternative legal avenues. In response, officials imposed a temporary 10% US tariff on imports from much of the world earlier this week. This duty, allowed under section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, can remain in effect for 150 days while the government evaluates the legal path forward. Experts say the refund process is likely to be complex. Companies must submit claims, and the government will review each case to confirm that the tariffs were paid illegally. Some analysts warn that resolving these claims could take months or even longer, depending on the volume of requests and the government’s ability to process them efficiently. Many businesses hope the refunds will offset the costs they incurred under Trump’s previous tariff policies. Industry leaders argue that delays could hurt cash flow and planning, especially for import-heavy companies. The Supreme Court’s decision and the ongoing uncertainty about tariff refunds highlight the challenges of enforcing trade policies without clear legislative authority. Legal scholars note that the ruling reinforces the limits of executive power in setting broad economic measures. Meanwhile, former President Trump continues to criticize the judiciary publicly. He suggested that a rehearing of the case might be possible and remains vocal about his intention to maintain strong trade barriers, despite the court’s ruling. As the refund process unfolds, both businesses and government officials face a delicate balancing act. Companies seek swift reimbursement, while the government must ensure that refunds are legally justified and properly administered. The Trump tariff refunds issue underscores the lasting impact of Supreme Court decisions on US economic policy. It also illustrates the complex interplay between executive actions, legal limits, and the global trade system, showing how quickly policy decisions can create widespread consequences.