Trump warns US could become 'third world nation' if courts overturn tariffs: 'No hope of greatness again'

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump warned on Monday, September 1, that the United States could become a "third world nation" if courts decide to overturn his tariffs.

Trump made a series of posts on Truth Social defending his sweeping tariffs, saying that more than $15 trillion will be invested in the US, which he described as a "record."

Trump touts tariffs as record investment driver, blasts courts over potential rollback

Trump wrote in his Truth Social post, "More than 15 Trillion Dollars will be invested in the USA, a RECORD. Much of this investment is because of Tariffs."

The president added that if a "Radical Left Court is allowed to terminate these Tariffs, almost all of this investment, and much more, will be immediately cancelled," warning that the US will become a Third World nation. "In many ways, we would become a Third World Nation, with no hope of GREATNESS again. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!!!" he added.

In another post, Trump doubled down on his trade policies and stressed that tariffs are strengthening the US economy.

He said that prices were "way down" and that the country is experiencing "virtually no inflation." "Prices are 'WAY DOWN' in the USA, with virtually no inflation. With the exception of ridiculous, corrupt politician-approved 'Windmills', which are killing every State and Country that uses them," he wrote.

By July 2025, revenue from tariffs had reportedly totaled USD 159 billion, more than double what it was at the same point last year. Meanwhile, the Justice Department warned in a legal filing this month that revoking the tariffs could mean "financial ruin" for the US. 

Federal appeals court labels Trump's tariffs as 'illegal'

A federal appeals court ruled on August 29 that Trump had exceeded his powers when he used "national emergencies" as justification to levy tariffs on nearly every nation and trading bloc.

The court, however, left the tariffs in place until October 14 in its 7–4 decision and gave the Trump administration a deadline to appeal to the Supreme Court. 

Trump denounced the ruling as "highly partisan" and wrote on Truth Social, "If allowed to stand, this Decision would literally destroy the United States of America."

Citing the temporary stay, White House Deputy Press Secretary Kush Desai said, "The president’s tariffs remain in effect, and we look forward to ultimate victory on this matter."

Internet sides with Donald Trump

Several internet users voiced support for Donald Trump after he warned that the United States could become a "third world nation" if courts overturn his tariffs.

One user wrote on X, "Tariffs are the key to America's economic dominance!" Another added, "MAKE AMERICA WEALTHY AGAIN."

A person commented, "15 TRILLION?? This would be historic if real," while another remarked, "15 trillion dollars… and people still complain about inflation at Starbucks."

Others targeted the judiciary, with one saying, "These out of control judges need to be stopped!" Another wrote, "Prayers for America and for President Trump and his success."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.