Macron praises US Supreme Court on tariffs, supporting rule of law

French President Emmanuel Macron addressed Friday’s Supreme Court decision on President Donald Trump’s tariffs, emphasizing the importance of having counterweights to power in democratic systems. Speaking at the annual agricultural salon in Paris, Macron said it was not bad to have a Supreme Court or the rule of law; instead, he highlighted that it is good to have both power and counterweights.

Macron maintained that France would carefully consider Trump’s new 10% global tariff and adapt its strategies accordingly. The country aims to continue exporting products such as agriculture, luxury goods, fashion, and aerospace items. Macron also expressed the need for a calm mindset in response to these unilateral decisions, advocating for reciprocity over unilaterally imposed rules.

Following Friday’s ruling, Trump swiftly reissued new tariffs, effective from Tuesday until 150 days under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. These tariffs included exemptions for aerospace products and passenger cars, as well as exemptions for compliance with the US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, certain pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, and agricultural goods.

These actions represent a partial reprieve from the temporarily banned duties imposed under emergency provisions, showcasing Trump’s continued efforts to uphold these economic protections.