California Gov. Gavin Newsom led a chorus of demands for refunds from the Trump administration on Friday after the Supreme Court ruled President Donald Trump’s tariffs unlawful. “Issue an immediate refund to all Americans for your illegal tax,” Newsom posted on X. “Now.”

The high court’s decision invalidated significant portions of the tariffs Trump imposed during his presidency. Justices acknowledged potential chaos in refunding importers but left the door open for remedies, according to tariff lawyer Robert Leo.

Working-class Americans shouldered nearly all the burden from these tariffs. A recent study by Bielefeld University professor Julian Hinz and colleagues found that 96% of tariff-induced price hikes hit U.S. consumers directly. The Trump administration collected $200 billion in tariff revenue last year, revenue the study described as “paid almost exclusively by Americans.”

Political figures and commentators piled on with refund calls across social media. Rick Wilson, a former GOP strategist and author, labeled the tariffs “an illegal tax on American businesses, farms, and families.” He urged on X: “Pay up, Donnie.”

Filmmaker and commentator Stuart Clarke told his 2,300 X followers to “Demand a refund on Trump’s Tariffs.” Political commentator Kes Bretagne, with over 4,000 followers, asked the White House directly: “Y’all gonna be sending us our tariff refund checks soon?”

X user Jude, known for posting anti-Trump content, issued a blunt demand for repayment without elaboration.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett noted during arguments that refunds “could be a mess,” highlighting logistical hurdles. Importers paid the duties upfront, passing costs to consumers through higher prices on imported goods like steel, aluminum and consumer products. The ruling stemmed from challenges arguing Trump exceeded his authority under trade laws.

Economists have long debated tariff impacts. The Bielefeld study analyzed trade data from 2018-2023, concluding U.S. buyers absorbed the vast majority of costs rather than foreign exporters lowering prices. Retailers and manufacturers raised prices accordingly, with households facing an average annual hit of several hundred dollars, according to separate analyses.

The decision caps years of legal battles over Trump’s aggressive use of tariff powers. Courts have struck down similar measures before, but this ruling targets core elements of his trade war with China and other partners. Administration officials have not yet responded to refund demands.

Consumer advocates see the ruling as vindication. “American families paid the price for a failed policy,” one group stated. Refunds, if pursued, would likely involve complex claims processes through U.S. Customs and Border Protection, potentially delaying any payouts for months or years.

Trump’s tariffs aimed to protect domestic industries and pressure trading partners on issues like intellectual property theft. Supporters argue they boosted U.S. manufacturing jobs. Critics counter that higher costs hurt competitiveness and fueled inflation without achieving long-term goals.

As calls for refunds intensify, legal experts watch for next steps. Importers may file suits seeking repayment, while lawmakers debate broader trade policy reforms. For now, social media amplifies public frustration over billions in what some now call an unlawful levy.