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Sunday 22/02/2026

Trump's Tariff Strategy Faces Supreme Court Setback, Sparks New Trade Policy

US Supreme Court building with gavel and tariffs document
Daniel RiveraDaniel Rivera

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • The US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 against President Trump's global tariffs, citing overreach of presidential powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
  • Trump responded by announcing a new 10% global tariff, which can remain for 150 days, and criticized the justices who opposed his policy.
  • The court's decision may lead to billions in tariff refunds, though Trump indicated legal battles could delay payouts.
  • Trump's tariffs have been a contentious issue, with critics arguing they harm businesses and consumers by increasing prices.
  • In Georgia, Trump defended his tariffs as essential for US manufacturing and criticized Democrats over voting laws and alleged election fraud.

In a significant legal and political development, the US Supreme Court has struck down President Donald Trump's global tariffs, ruling in a 6-3 decision that the president exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). This ruling marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over US trade policy and the extent of presidential powers.

Supreme Court Ruling and Reaction

The Supreme Court's decision, which saw Chief Justice John Roberts and two Trump-appointed justices, Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch, siding with the majority, deemed the tariffs illegal. The court emphasized that Congress had not explicitly granted the president the power to impose such tariffs. "When Congress has delegated its tariff powers, it has done so in explicit terms and subject to strict limits," Roberts wrote.

In response, President Trump swiftly announced a new 10% global tariff, effective for 150 days, and criticized the justices who opposed his policy as "fools" and "unpatriotic." Speaking at the White House, Trump expressed his determination to continue pursuing tariffs, arguing they are vital for encouraging investment and manufacturing in the US.

Legal and Economic Implications

The Supreme Court's ruling opens the door to potentially billions of dollars in tariff refunds, a prospect that has been welcomed by businesses and states that challenged the tariffs. However, Trump indicated that these refunds might face prolonged legal challenges, suggesting the issue could remain unresolved for years.

Critics of the tariffs argue that they have led to increased prices for consumers and businesses, fueling economic uncertainty. The tariffs, initially targeting countries like Mexico, Canada, and China, were later expanded to include numerous trade partners, sparking widespread concern both domestically and internationally.

Political Context and Broader Impact

Amidst these developments, Trump defended his tariff policy during a visit to Georgia, a key battleground state in the upcoming midterm elections. At a steel-processing firm, he reiterated his belief in tariffs as a tool to bolster American manufacturing and criticized Democrats for opposing his trade and voting policies.

Trump's visit to Georgia also highlighted his ongoing claims of voter fraud and his support for the Save America Act, which aims to tighten voting regulations. These issues, along with the tariff debate, are likely to play a significant role in shaping the political landscape as the midterms approach.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

The Supreme Court's decision against Trump's tariffs could have far-reaching implications for US trade policy and the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches. Legal experts suggest that the ruling may set a precedent limiting presidential authority in trade matters, potentially influencing future administrations.

Politically, Trump's continued push for tariffs and his criticism of the Supreme Court may energize his base but could also deepen divisions within the Republican Party. As the midterm elections near, the interplay between trade policy, economic concerns, and voting rights is likely to remain a focal point of political discourse.