Trump does not back down: the briefing revealed a new move on tariffs and why BTC is in focus

At a briefing, Trump demonstrated his determination not to give up despite the Supreme Court’s decision. Instead of abandoning the idea of tariffs, the administration is already preparing alternative channels for their implementation. This means that if the White House truly switches to reserve mechanisms, the issue of trade policy will return to the forefront for macroeconomists and traders. Consequently, the market will have to reassess risks related to inflation, expectations regarding the Fed’s policy, and the impact on risk assets, including cryptocurrencies.

Administration’s Position: Court – Not the Final Judge

At the briefing, the head of the administration expressed disappointment with the court’s decision, calling it a symbolic defeat for the country’s national economic security. In his view, the judges were influenced by foreign interests and lacked the courage to defend national interests. The main point is that the administration announced the availability of more powerful tools than the IEEPA law, under which previous tariffs were imposed.

Trump highlighted several key points: first, he does not need Congress’s approval to impose customs duties; second, revenue from tariffs will increase; third, a 10% global tariff is planned to be added to existing restrictions.

Alternative Channels: Section 301 and Section 122

According to reports, the administration is considering several backup scenarios. The most likely option is using Section 301 of the Trade Act for countries with which the U.S. does not have existing trade agreements. This would provide more flexibility in applying protectionist measures.

A second option is even more interesting legally: Section 122 of the same 1974 Act allows for a basic tariff of up to 15% for up to 150 days without Congressional approval. Notably, no U.S. president has ever used this tool before. This indicates that the administration is prepared to venture into unprecedented legal territory.

Inflation Returns to the Agenda

The court limited one mechanism, but the logic behind trade policy remains active. If the administration actually begins to use these new legal channels, the market will quickly reprice risk assets. This is critical because tariffs exert direct pressure on import prices, and thus on inflation expectations.

For the Fed, this creates an unfavorable backdrop, especially considering today’s personal consumption expenditure data, where inflation has already exceeded analyst expectations. If tariffs re-enter the market, the central bank will face additional challenges in making interest rate decisions.

Risk Assets and Cryptocurrencies in Focus

The market remains uncertain, oscillating in a sideways trend. However, volatility could spike sharply on any news about specific steps by the administration. As of February 27, BTC is trading at around $66.08K, down 3.34% in 24 hours – reflecting investors’ overall caution amid macroeconomic uncertainty.

Cryptocurrencies, as risk assets, are particularly sensitive to changes in inflation expectations and Fed policy. If Trump’s briefing indeed escalates into new trade wars through alternative legal mechanisms, inflation risks will regain prominence in macro risk structures. This would mean that BTC and other risk assets will return to the focus of revaluation.

Currently, the market is waiting for concrete actions. But the very fact that the administration is actively seeking bypasses after the judicial defeat indicates serious intentions. Investors should monitor any announcements of new tariffs or the use of Section 301 and Section 122 – these could potentially trigger a new round of revaluation in the cryptocurrency market and other risk assets.