A coalition of more than 800 small businesses adversely affected by President Trump’s international tariffs is now seeking refunds after the Supreme Court overturned these tariffs on Friday.
This group, known as We Pay the Tariffs, is pressing for “full, fast, and automatic” refunds. However, Trump dismissed the request during a fiery press conference, indicating it was not feasible.
“Our coalition members, who have poured hard work, long hours, and dedication into building their local businesses, have been burdened with billions in tariffs that never should have been levied,” stated Dan Anthony, Executive Director of the anti-tariff group, in a press release.
The Supreme Court’s 6-3 ruling did not specify whether the government is obligated to return the tariff revenues it has already collected.
In response, Trump adopted a defiant tone, promising to enact a new 10% global tariff and dismissing the notion of issuing refunds.
“I guess this will be litigated over the next two years. They crafted this terrible, defective decision, completely flawed. It seems as if it wasn’t written by intelligent people,” he remarked.
Pressed on the matter, he said: “I just told you the answer, right? I told you the answer. It’s not discussed. We’ll end up being in court for the next five years.”
Still, members of We Pay Tariffs, which includes restaurants, manufacturers and retailers, said refunds were a matter of necessity.
Here’s the latest on President Trump’s tariffs following Supreme Court ruling:
“The burden on our business has been substantial leading to layoffs and halting all growth plans,” Rick Muskat, president of New York-based shoe company Deer Stags Concepts said in a statement shared by We Pay the Tariffs.
“The process for US Customs to process the refunds should be simple since Customs billed these additional tariffs at the line-item level on the Customs Entry forms.”
Last year, the US collected $289 billion in revenue from gross tariff and certain other excise taxes, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center. In 2024, $98 billion was brought in.
