Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump Tariffs, Prompting New Levies

Washington D.C. – President Donald Trump has announced an increase in global tariffs from 10% to 15% following a Supreme Court ruling against his initial tariff policy. The move comes after the Court invalidated tariffs first enacted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) [Reuters].

Supreme Court Ruling

The Supreme Court’s decision, delivered on Friday, February 20, 2026, marked a significant defeat for Trump since his return to the White House [USA TODAY]. Trump publicly criticized the court and specific conservative justices, including Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett, who joined the ruling against his tariffs.

New Tariffs Under Trade Act of 1974

Despite the invalidation of the original tariffs, Trump has authorized the new levies under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which permits the president to impose tariffs of up to 15% for an initial period of 150 days [Reuters]. Extension of these tariffs beyond the initial period requires approval from the U.S. Congress.

Justification for Tariffs

Trump has consistently maintained that the tariffs are targeted at countries he believes have been unfairly exploiting the United States for decades [Reuters]. He stated his intention to “determine and announce new legally permitted tariffs” within the next five months to ensure “America remains greater than ever.”

Background: Trump v. United States

This situation follows the Supreme Court case Trump v. United States (603 U.S. 593 (2024)) which addressed presidential immunity. While not directly related to the tariff dispute, the case established that a former President has presumptive immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts [Wikipedia] and [SCOTUSblog]. The ruling does not extend to unofficial acts.