Donald Trump veered into unusual territory during a press appearance following the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down his sweeping tariff plan, claiming that a steel executive once told him he wanted to kiss him out of gratitude.
Speaking about a past visit to Rome, Georgia, Trump said he met Andrew Seville, president of Kusa Steel, while touring a manufacturing facility. According to Trump, Seville was so pleased with the impact of the tariffs on his business that he joked about wanting to kiss the president. Trump described Seville as a “very powerful” and “strong” man and said he declined the supposed offer.
The remarks came during a broader outburst aimed at the Supreme Court, which ruled 6–3 that Trump’s use of emergency powers to impose sweeping global tariffs was unconstitutional. The decision dismantled key parts of his trade framework, including so-called “reciprocal” tariffs placed on numerous countries.
Clearly frustrated, Trump said he was “absolutely ashamed” of the justices who ruled against him, accusing them of being disloyal to the Constitution. He also hinted at outside interference without offering evidence. The ruling represents a major setback to his long-running effort to reshape global trade relationships through aggressive tariff policies.
Despite the court’s decision, Trump signaled he is not backing down. He announced plans to pursue a new 10% worldwide tariff under a separate statute that allows temporary trade measures for up to 150 days a provision that has rarely been used in this way. He insisted the court’s ruling was wrong but argued that his administration still has “very powerful alternatives” available.
Trump: I met the owner. He said, “President, I’d love to kiss you.” This is a very powerful man. I don’t want to be kissed by that man — but he’s a very powerful, strong man.
— Acyn (@Acyn) February 20, 2026
He said, “Sir, I want to kiss you.” I said, “Why?”
He said, “Sir, I want to kiss you so badly.”
And I… pic.twitter.com/qtZsE6yAOP
A White House spokesperson later defended Trump’s comments, saying it is no surprise that supporters express admiration for him and dismissing criticism from media outlets as overblown.
The Supreme Court’s decision is especially notable given that Trump appointed three of the current justices during his first term. While those appointments previously helped secure several conservative victories, this ruling marks a significant legal defeat for one of his signature economic policies.
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