So here's what happens when the Supreme Court says "no" to most of a president's tariffs: the political gloves come off. California Governor Gavin Newsom didn't waste any time, calling the whole tariff plan "madness" and labeling former President Donald Trump a "fraud." This came after the court struck down the bulk of the administration's levies, setting off a fresh round of political and economic sparring.

Newsom took to social media to share a clip from a CNN interview, writing: "Donald Trump's entire economic paradigm is mass deportations, tax cuts for billionaires, and tariffs. And he's been exposed. He's a fraud."

During the interview itself, he zeroed in on the uncertainty for businesses. "What do you do? Well, what does anyone do? Are you going to move your factory from overseas and onshore with 150 days certainty, on a 15% tax or tariff?" Newsom said. "The whole thing is a farce." He pointed out the shifting numbers, adding, "It was 10% two days ago, maybe 20% tomorrow. I mean, this is madness."

From Newsom's perspective, this wasn't just bad policy; it was illegal. He noted California was the first state to sue under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. "He needs to return that money, needs to refund that money with interest," he said, estimating the cost to families at about $1,701 per year. "They can do that electronically." He also pointed to economic figures—1.4% quarterly GDP growth and 3% inflation—calling the administration "a wrecking ball presidency."

This wasn't a one-off comment. Newsom had posted earlier, accusing Trump of imposing "illegal" tariffs from the start and claiming they took money from working families, calling for the administration to repay Americans.

But the governor isn't the only one making plans. On Capitol Hill, lawmakers are gearing up for a fight. Several said Congress would move to challenge the tariff order, expressing confidence it could be stopped.

Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) argued the levies "would be defeated," stating that tariff authority belongs to Congress and that lawmakers would oppose the 10% global tariff, even if not with a veto-proof majority.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said the ruling left "no room for doubt" about Congress' role in trade policy, while Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) called it a "defense of our republic."

Notably, Trump had signaled he could raise the tariff to 15% under a separate trade provision allowing temporary measures to address trade deficits, a move that adds another layer to the debate.

On the Democratic side, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) criticized the move as misguided, arguing Americans would bear the consequences of arbitrary policy decisions. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) said the Supreme Court ruling supported his view that Trump's tariff policy was illegal and unconstitutional, describing it as reckless and lacking proper authority.

So what you have here is a classic Washington story with real money at stake. The Supreme Court draws a line on executive power, politicians rush to claim victory for their side, and everyone argues about who should pay—literally—for the policy. For businesses and families caught in the middle, the only certainty seems to be more uncertainty.