Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump Tariffs, President Vows Novel Levies
A furious President Donald Trump is vowing new tariffs after the Supreme Court struck down his sweeping unilateral tariffs in a 6-3 decision on Friday, February 20, 2026. The ruling represents a significant defeat for the president and a potential turning point in his economic agenda, though Trump has already signaled his intent to circumvent the decision.
Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court ruled that the law used to justify the tariffs – the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) – did not authorize the President to impose tariffs for economic reasons. The majority opinion, delivered by Chief Justice John Roberts, emphasized that Congress holds the constitutional power to tax and regulate trade. Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Brett Kavanaugh dissented. CNBC reports this is a major rebuke of Trump’s key economic policy.
Trump’s Response: New Tariffs Imposed
Immediately following the ruling, President Trump expressed his outrage, calling the justices “a disgrace to our nation” and “fools and lapdogs.” The Associated Press reported that Trump announced he would sign an executive order imposing a 10% global tariff under Section 122 of federal law, and subsequently increased it to 15% the following day. He also indicated he is exploring other avenues for implementing tariffs. The New York Times highlights the added uncertainty this creates in global trade.
Growing Resistance to Trump’s Policies
The Supreme Court’s decision is part of a broader trend of increasing resistance to President Trump’s policies. Kurt Campbell, chairman of the Asia Group, noted the ruling as “another step in piercing President Trump’s seeming invincibility.” AP News reports that this follows recent actions such as the withdrawal of Immigration and Customs Enforcement from Minneapolis, Republican dissent on domestic legislation, and congressional pushback on Trump’s tariff agenda, including a largely symbolic House vote to revoke import taxes on Canada.
Impact on the Midterm Elections and Beyond
The timing of the ruling is particularly significant as President Trump heads into midterm elections. The decision, coupled with other recent setbacks – including the release of the Epstein files, the investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, and controversies surrounding his attempts to acquire Greenland – could weaken his position. The affordability crisis, which contributed to Democratic gains in 2025, is also shaping up to be a key issue in 2026. A potential Democratic takeover of Congress would further constrain Trump’s ability to implement his policies.
A Potential Shift in Power Dynamics
Some legal experts believe the Supreme Court’s decision could signal a willingness by the judicial branch to push back against executive overreach. Harvard law professor Noah Feldman compared the ruling to the Supreme Court striking down President Franklin Roosevelt’s first New Deal in 1935, suggesting a potential turning point in the balance of power between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The Associated Press reported on this comparison.
Recent Events Leading to the Ruling
Prior to the Supreme Court’s decision, a series of events had begun to erode Trump’s perceived invincibility. These included a controversial U.S. Military raid that captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, a Justice Department investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, and a dispute over Greenland. The shooting of U.S. Citizens by federal agents during deportation efforts in Minnesota sparked outrage and led to a partial government shutdown. AP News details these events.