US President Donald Trump has once again defended his controversial tariff policies, claiming they have turned the United States into the “richest” and “most respected” country in the world. The President asserted that every American—except the wealthy—would soon receive at least $2,000 (approximately ₹1.77 lakh) from the revenue generated by tariffs imposed during his administration.

The remarks came just days after the US Supreme Court expressed doubts over the legality of Trump’s sweeping tariffs in a case that could have global economic implications.

“People against tariffs are fools”

Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “People that are against Tariffs are FOOLS! We are now the Richest, Most Respected Country In the World, With Almost No Inflation, and A Record Stock Market Price.” He added that his administration was “taking in trillions of dollars” and would soon begin paying down the nation’s $37 trillion debt.

Trump further stated that the US was witnessing “record investment” as factories and plants were being set up “all over the place”. He announced that “a dividend of at least $2,000 a person (not including high-income people!) will be paid to everyone.”

Trump questions Supreme Court’s stance

In his posts, Trump also appeared to question the scope of presidential powers, arguing that the US President is permitted to halt all trade with a foreign country but not impose tariffs for national security purposes. “Other Countries can Tariff us, but we can’t Tariff them? It is their DREAM!” he said, adding, “Businesses are pouring into the USA ONLY BECAUSE OF TARIFFS. HAS THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT NOT BEEN TOLD THIS??”

Supreme Court scrutiny over tariff powers

The Supreme Court recently heard arguments on whether Trump exceeded his authority by invoking a 1977 emergency law to impose extensive tariffs. Both conservative and liberal justices questioned whether the executive branch had intruded on Congress’ power in doing so.

While some conservative judges acknowledged the President’s inherent powers in foreign policy matters, others indicated unease over the potential overreach. The court, which holds a 6–3 conservative majority, is expected to issue a ruling that could redefine the limits of presidential trade powers.

Lower courts had previously ruled that Trump’s use of the emergency statute to justify indefinite tariffs went beyond his legal authority. Businesses impacted by the tariffs and 12 US states—mostly Democratic-led—have challenged the policy, which could generate trillions in revenue for the United States over the next decade.

In a major breakthrough for Indian security agencies, two of the country’s most wanted gangsters—Bhanu Rana and Venkatesh Garg—have been arrested abroad. While officials from multiple security agencies, including the Haryana Police, apprehended Garg in Georgia, Rana, who is linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, was arrested in the United States.

Garg involved in BSP leader’s murder case

According to officials, Venkatesh Garg, a resident of Narayangarh in Haryana, was wanted in over ten criminal cases across India. He had fled to Georgia after being accused of murdering a Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader in Gurugram. Garg was allegedly recruiting youth from Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, and nearby states to expand his criminal operations.
Investigations have revealed that Garg was operating an extortion syndicate along with gangster Kapil Sangwan, who is also believed to be abroad. In October, Delhi Police had arrested four shooters from Sangwan’s network for opening fire at a builder’s residence and farmhouse.

Bishnoi-linked Bhanu Rana arrested in US

Meanwhile, Bhanu Rana, originally from Karnal, has long been active in organized crime and was living in the US for several years. His name surfaced during the investigation into a grenade attack in Punjab.
Rana’s network allegedly extends across Haryana, Punjab, and Delhi. Earlier this year, the Special Task Force (STF) in Karnal had arrested two men carrying hand grenades and pistols, who were reportedly acting on Rana’s instructions.

Both Rana and Garg are expected to be deported to India soon. Officials have indicated that more than two dozen major gangsters from India continue to operate overseas, running criminal syndicates and hiring local recruits.

Former US President Donald Trump praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing him as “a great man” and “a friend”, while suggesting he may visit India next year to strengthen bilateral trade relations between the two countries.

Speaking at a White House press briefing after unveiling a new plan to cut prices of weight loss drugs, Trump said his talks with PM Modi were “going great”. He added, “He (PM Modi) largely stopped buying from Russia. He is a friend of mine, and we speak, and he wants me to go there. We will figure that out; I will go… Prime Minister Modi is a great man, and I will be going.” When asked if the visit could take place in 2026, Trump responded, “It could be, yes.”

Trade negotiations and India’s energy stance

Trump’s remarks come amid ongoing trade discussions between India and the US following Washington’s decision to impose additional tariffs, including a 25 per cent duty, over India’s continued imports of Russian oil. The move came months after reports suggested Trump had dropped plans to attend the Quad Summit following tariff tensions.

Earlier this week, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reaffirmed Trump’s commitment to strengthening ties with New Delhi, noting that he had spoken directly with PM Modi during Diwali celebrations at the Oval Office.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded to Trump’s comments, reiterating that New Delhi’s energy decisions are based on “national interests and consumer welfare.” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India prioritises “stable prices and secured supplies through diversified sourcing” and noted ongoing efforts to deepen energy cooperation with the US.