Pritzker presses White House for compensation
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has demanded nearly $9 billion in tariff refunds after the US Supreme Court ruled that President Donald Trump exceeded his authority by imposing sweeping levies.
In a letter sent Friday, Pritzker urged the White House to “cut the check,” arguing that the tariffs harmed families and businesses.
The court struck down the measures in a 6–3 decision, concluding Trump improperly used emergency powers to reshape global trade. Pritzker said the tariffs drove up grocery prices, hurt farmers, and strained alliances. He requested about $1,700 per Illinois household, citing estimates from Yale University economists on average tariff costs.
California Governor Gavin Newsom echoed the call, saying Americans deserve refunds for what he called an “illegal cash grab.” Both governors are widely viewed as potential Democratic contenders for the 2028 presidential race.
Refund debate grows amid uncertainty
The demands highlight a complicated legal and economic debate. Since their rollout last April, Trump’s tariffs have generated over $130 billion, largely collected from importers but often passed on to consumers through higher prices. However, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has expressed doubts that direct payments will reach households.
Estimates suggest refunds could be enormous. The Penn-Wharton Budget Model projects potential repayments of up to $175 billion, though it remains unclear who would qualify. Trump himself has acknowledged any refund process could take years.
In his dissent, Justice Brett Kavanaugh noted the ruling did not address how collected funds should be returned. Meanwhile, New York Governor Kathy Hochul criticised the tariffs as an unlawful tax but stopped short of demanding refunds.
