AIM President Issues Statement on SCOTUS Tariff Decision

BOSTON — Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to strike down President Trump’s global tariffs today, Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) President and CEO Brooke Thomson hailed the outcome.

The 6-3 decision centers on tariffs imposed under an emergency powers law, including the sweeping ‘reciprocal’ tariffs he levied on nearly every other country, according to the Associated Press, handing the president a significant loss on an issue crucial to his economic agenda.

“The 3,400 member companies of Associated Industries of Massachusetts are gratified by the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that the president does not have the authority to impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act,” Thomson said. “The tariffs imposed in 2025 represent the largest U.S. tax increase as a percent of GDP since 1993 and have burdened Massachusetts employers with increased costs, disrupted supply chains, and retaliation in overseas markets.

“Massachusetts companies export some $77 billion worth of goods each year to 210 markets globally, and support one of every five jobs in the Commonwealth,” she added. “It is our firm hope that today’s ruling will reinvigorate international trade and confirm the status of our Commonwealth as a global center of economic growth and opportunity.”

The Supreme Court majority found that the Constitution “very clearly” gives Congress the power to impose taxes, which include tariffs, the AP reported. “The framers did not vest any part of the taxing power in the Executive Branch,” Chief Justice John Roberts wrote. Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, and Brett Kavanaugh dissented.