Trump Declares Kavanaugh a ‘New Hero’ After Supreme Court Tariff Ruling

Former President Donald Trump identified Justice Brett Kavanaugh as his “new hero” following a Supreme Court ruling that limited his presidential authority over tariffs. The declaration came in a post on Trump’s Truth Social platform on Saturday, February 20, 2026, a day after the Court voted 6-3 against his sweeping tariff powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

Kavanaugh’s Dissent

While voting with the minority, Kavanaugh penned a dissenting opinion that he characterized the majority’s decision as “illogical.” He argued that the ruling creates a strange inconsistency in the law. “As they interpret the statute, the President could, for example, block all imports from China but cannot order even a $1 tariff on goods imported from China,” Kavanaugh wrote. MSN

Kavanaugh asserted that IEEPA empowers the president to regulate imports during national emergencies using tools like quotas, embargoes, and tariffs, and does not distinguish between these methods.

Trump’s Response and New Tariffs

Trump had previously bypassed Congress to unilaterally impose tariffs on nearly all countries, citing an influx of illicit drugs and a trade deficit as national emergencies justifying the measures. He praised Kavanaugh’s “genius and great ability” and stated he was “very proud of that appointment” following the ruling. MSN

Despite the Supreme Court’s decision, Trump announced a new global tariff of 15% on Saturday, up from the 10% announced the previous day, citing Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974.

Potential Economic Fallout

Kavanaugh acknowledged that while his dissent may not substantially constrain a president’s ability to impose tariffs due to other existing federal statutes, the Court’s decision could have significant short-term effects. He warned that the United States may be required to refund billions of dollars to importers who paid the IEEPA tariffs, potentially impacting consumers. He also suggested the ruling could create uncertainty around trade deals with countries like China, the United Kingdom, and Japan.

Supreme Court Handling of Emergency Cases

This ruling comes as Justice Kavanaugh has recently defended the Supreme Court’s handling of emergency appeals brought by the Trump administration. He stated the court takes these cases seriously and strives to provide thorough consideration, despite often deciding them quickly without full briefings or oral arguments. NBC News

Kavanaugh noted the Court held oral arguments and issued a lengthy ruling when addressing Trump’s plan to end birthright citizenship and also cited cases involving Covid-19 vaccines where arguments were heard before a decision was made. NBC News