SANTEE — The Supreme Court dealt a major blow to President Donald Trump's trade agenda Friday, striking down his sweeping tariffs on imported goods in a 6-3 ruling — a decision that could ripple through to Santee shoppers, local retailers and businesses that depend on imported products.

The court found that Trump's use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose "reciprocal" tariffs on nearly every country was unconstitutional. Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, stated that "the Framers did not vest any part of the taxing power in the Executive Branch."

The tariffs had added costs to a wide range of imported goods — from electronics and appliances to clothing and construction materials — categories that directly affect Santee households and businesses. The ruling could relieve some pricing pressure at local retailers, though the extent of any consumer benefit remains unclear, particularly given Trump's immediate pledge to respond with a new tariff.

Trump, who AP reported (citing a person with direct knowledge of his private reaction) called the decision "a disgrace," announced shortly after the ruling that he would sign an executive order imposing a 10% global tariff under Section 122, a federal law that has never previously been used to impose tariffs, allowing emergency tariffs for up to 150 days. He also said he was exploring additional tariff mechanisms under other legal authorities.

The decision was welcomed by retail and small business groups. The National Retail Federation said the ruling provides "much needed certainty." Companies including Costco — which operates in the San Diego region — have filed for refunds in lower courts on billions of dollars paid under the now-struck tariffs. The Treasury had collected more than $133 billion from the IEEPA-based import taxes, according to federal data. The court's majority did not address whether refunds would be issued.

For Santee businesses that import goods or source products through national retail supply chains, the ruling introduces both potential relief and continued uncertainty. With Trump vowing to pursue tariffs through alternate legal channels, consumers and businesses should expect trade policy to remain unsettled in the weeks ahead.