politics
February 20, 2026
Trump to impose 10% global tariff and attacks ‘certain’ supreme court justices after levies ruled illegal
In a stunning rebuke against the Trump administration’s economic policy, the supreme court ruled many of the president’s sweeping tariffs illegal. In a 6-3 decision, the court held that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) – a 1977 statute which grants the president authority to regulate or prohibit certain international transactions during a national emergency – does not authorize Donald Trump to unilaterally impose the tariffs. Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Brett Kavanaugh dissented.
TL;DR
- The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that President Trump's sweeping tariffs were an illegal use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
- Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Brett Kavanaugh dissented from the majority opinion.
- President Trump called the decision "deeply disappointing" and "terrible," while praising the dissenting justices.
- Trump announced plans to impose a 10% global tariff under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act, which allows levies for up to 150 days before requiring congressional approval.
- Trump also stated that national-security tariffs and those tied to "unreasonable" trade practices will remain in place.
- The president expressed frustration about the lack of clarity on refunds for tariffs already paid under IEEPA.
- Democrats generally welcomed the ruling, while many Republicans stated they respected the decision but would work to maintain tariffs.
- Trump accused some justices who ruled against him of being "fools and lap dogs," "very unpatriotic and disloyal," and potentially swayed by "foreign interests" without providing evidence.
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