President Donald Trump lashed out at Supreme Court Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch after they ruled against his sweeping tariff plan.
In the 6–3 opinion released on Friday morning, the justices ruled that Trump’s tariffs were not authorized under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which permits the president to regulate trade in “unusual and extraordinary” circumstances when a national emergency is declared.
In a Friday evening Truth Social post, Trump wrote: “What happened today with the two United States Supreme Court Justices that I appointed against great opposition, Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett, whether people like it or not, never seems to happen with Democrats.”
“The new TARIFFS, totally tested and accepted as Law, are on their way,” he added.
The post came an hour after Trump announced that he signed off on a temporary 10 percent global tariff, which will “be effective almost immediately.”
Meanwhile, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has demanded that Trump issue an $8.6 billion refund to the state’s residents after his tariffs “wreaked havoc on farmers, enraged our allies, and sent grocery prices through the roof.”
When asked about Pritzker’s letter, White House spokesperson Kush Desai told The Independent: “The immense weight of Illinois’s sky-high taxes and regulations is matched only by JB Pritzker’s own personal bloat.”
“If this slob really cared about delivering economic relief for Illinois, he’d start with his own state government instead of chasing another stupid headline,” he added.
Key Points
- Supreme Court strikes down Trump’s tariff plan
- Trump calls justices who ruled against him a 'disgrace to our nation'
- 'A victory for the wallets of every American:' Schumer praises justices' ruling on tariffs
- Trump signs off on a temporary 10 percent global tariff
ICYMI: Here’s what Trump said in his press conference about the Supreme Court’s tariff ruling
Friday 20 February 2026 19:34 , Brendan RasciusDuring a White House press conference on Friday, Trump lashed out at the Supreme Court over its landmark 6-3 decision to strike down his sweeping tariffs.
Here are some of the key moments:
- Trump said he is “ashamed” of the six justices who ruled against him, a group that includes Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett. He went on to call the justices a “disgrace to our nation” and “fools and lapdogs.”
- In contrast, he praised the three conservative members of the court who dissented, singling out Justice Brett Kavanaugh for his “great ability.”
- He also took issue with the court’s timing. “They could have made this decision a long time ago,” he said.
- Trump listed three acts that he says justify his sweeping levies: the Trade Expansion of Act 1962, the Trade Act of 1974 and the Tariff Act of 1930.
- When asked if the justices who ruled against him would still be invited to the State of the Union, Trump said they would just “barely” be invited.
- Afterward, Trump signed an executive order imposing a global 10 percent tariff, he announced Friday evening.
Trump lashes out at Supreme Court justices who ruled against him
01:56 , Katie HawkinsonPresident Donald Trump lashed out at Supreme Court Justices Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett after they ruled against his sweeping tariffs.
Trump appointed both justices during his first term.
“What happened today with the two United States Supreme Court Justices that I appointed against great opposition, Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett, whether people like it or not, never seems to happen with Democrats,” he wrote on Truth Social.
“They vote against the Republicans, and never against themselves, almost every single time, no matter how good a case we have. At least I didn’t appoint Roberts, who led the effort to allow Foreign Countries that have been ripping us off for years to continue to do so — But we won’t let it happen,” he added.
In a separate post, Trump said the Supreme Court justices who ruled against his tariffs “should be ashamed of themselves.”
Analysis: Trump learns that plenty of conservatives don’t like his tariffs
01:40 , Eric GarciaPresident Donald Trump suffered one of the biggest blows to his domestic agenda on Friday when the Supreme Court struck down his power to levy tariffs. It was a massive body blow given how much Trump regularly talks about how tariffs are “my favorite word.”
Keep reading:
Trump learns a bitter truth: Plenty of conservatives don’t like his tariffs
Senate majority leader says lawmakers will 'continue working' with Trump administration
01:20 , Katie HawkinsonSenate Majority Leader John Thune said Friday Republican lawmakers will “continue working” with the Trump administration following the Supreme Court’s ruling.”
“Tariffs can be an important and effective tool to address unfair trade practices and help level the playing field with foreign competitors,” Thune wrote on X.
“Senate Republicans will continue working with the administration and our colleagues in the House to advance our shared goal to strengthen rural America, including South Dakota’s farm and ranch communities, and the broader U.S. economy,” he added.
Analysis: Trump just lost his global tariff sword. Will his boasts of being the ‘world’s greatest dealmaker’ now be put to the test?
01:00 , Andrew FeinbergThe Supreme Court’s decision to gut President Donald Trump’s ability to impose unlimited tariffs on imports from any country will force him to revert to a traditional set of diplomatic tools that he has largely ignored since returning to power.
Keep reading:
Will Trump’s ‘world’s greatest dealmaker’ reputation stand up without tariffs?
The Supreme Court struck down Trump’s tariffs - here’s what it means for your wallet
00:40 , J.R. DurenThe Supreme Court ruled that President Donald Trump was not authorized to impose global tariffs, challenging what has been a cornerstone policy in the president’s economic agenda.
Now, with the court’s decision, the average consumer might wonder what’s ahead for their wallets. Will tariffs end, and would it lead to lower prices on consumer goods and services?
Here’s what we know so far:
The Supreme Court struck down Trump’s tariffs - here’s what it means for consumers
Trump signs off on global 10% tariff
00:03 , Katie HawkinsonPresident Donald Trump signed off on a 10 percent global tariff, he announced Friday evening.
“It is my Great Honor to have just signed, from the Oval Office, a Global 10% Tariff on all Countries, which will be effective almost immediately,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Earlier Friday, the Supreme Court struck down his sweeping tariffs in a 6-3 decision. Soon afterward, Trump vowed to implement the new 10 percent global tariff, authorized by a law that restricts it to 150 days.
Lindsey Graham says Trump has 'many options' to keep existing tariffs
Friday 20 February 2026 23:40 , Katie HawkinsonRepublican Senator Lindsey Graham said in a lengthy statement on X that he believes President Donald Trump has “many options” to keep his existing tariffs despite the Supreme Court’s ruling.
“While I accept the Court’s ruling, I believe that @POTUS does have many options regarding keeping existing tariffs in place under authorities beyond the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA),” Graham wrote.
“I support President Trump’s decision to fight refunds. I did not think they are necessary or appropriate, and I’m sure that they will be subject to much litigation,” he added.
Chuck Schumer responds to treasury secretary
Friday 20 February 2026 23:40 , Katie HawkinsonSenate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has responded to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who commented Friday on potential tariff refunds following the Supreme Court’s ruling.
When asked about potential refunds at an Economic Club of Dallas event on Friday, Bessent said he has “a feeling the American people won’t see it,” according to Bloomberg.
Schumer responded: “Trump illegally taxed American families and small businesses, and he’s not giving them their money back. Even his Treasury Secretary admits it.”
Majority of Americans disapproved of how Trump is handling tariffs: poll
Friday 20 February 2026 23:25 , Katie HawkinsonThe majority of Americans disapprove of how President Donald Trump is handling his tariffs, according to a poll conducted before the Supreme Court’s ruling was published.
About 64 percent of U.S. adults said they disapproved, while 34 percent said they approved, the ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll revealed.
The survey was conducted Feb. 12-17, and the results were published Friday.
Pritzker demands $8.6 billion refund from Trump administration
Friday 20 February 2026 23:24 , Katie HawkinsonIllinois Governor JB Pritzker called on President Donald Trump to refund billions of dollars to the people of Illinois after the Supreme Court struck down his sweeping tariffs.
"Your tariff taxes wreaked havoc on farmers, enraged our allies, and sent grocery prices through the roof. This morning, your hand-picked Supreme Court Justices notified you that they are also unconstitutional,” Pritzker wrote in a letter addressed to Trump.
“On behalf of the people of Illinois, I demand a refund of $1,700 for every family in Illinois. There are 5,105,448 households in my state, bringing the total damages you owe to $8,679,261,600,” he added.
When asked about Pritzker’s letter, White House spokesperson Kush Desai told The Independent: “The immense weight of Illinois’s sky-high taxes and regulations is matched only by JB Pritzker’s own personal bloat.”
“If this slob really cared about delivering economic relief for Illinois, he’d start with his own state government instead of chasing another stupid headline,” he added.
Earlier Friday, Pritzker posted a video on X claiming Trump “illegally took $1,700 from every American family” after implementing his tariffs.
Republican Senator says Supreme Court's ruling is 'a firm reminder that presidential power is not unlimited'
Friday 20 February 2026 23:15 , Katie HawkinsonRepublican Senator Lisa Murkowski called the Supreme Court’s ruling a “clear rebuke and a firm reminder that presidential power is not unlimited.”
“The Constitution explicitly grants Congress authority to regulate trade and impose tariffs, and even if Congress fails to do that, executive actions must be clearly based in law. This is a good ruling – and a good day – for the separation of powers and the balance of power in our republic,” she wrote on X.
Hakeem Jeffries says tariff decision is a 'crushing defeat for the wannabe King'
Friday 20 February 2026 23:00 , Brendan RasciusHouse Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries celebrated the Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision which struck down Trump’s sweeping tariffs.
In a post on X, the New York Democrat called the ruling “a big victory for the American people” and “another crushing defeat for the wannabe King.”
The Supreme Court decision striking down the harmful Trump Tariffs is a big victory for the American people.
— Hakeem Jeffries (@RepJeffries) February 20, 2026
And another crushing defeat for the wannabe King.
GOP lawmaker throws cold water on prospect of tariff refunds
Friday 20 February 2026 22:32 , Brendan RasciusRep. Anna Paulina Luna, a Florida Republican, poured cold water on the prospect of tariff refunds, following the Supreme Court’s high-profile ruling.
“The US government is NOT your piggy bank,” she wrote on X in response to a claim that the federal government may owe $175 billion in tariff refunds.
“Any company or person seeking to get a big payday from this is a total fraud,” she added. “Decouple from CHINA and bring your industry back to the US. TOO MANY politicians and companies with deep, deep ties in CHINA.”
ANALYSIS: Trump just lost his global tariff sword. Will his boasts of being the ‘world’s greatest dealmaker’ now be put to the test?
Friday 20 February 2026 22:10 , Brendan RasciusThe Supreme Court’s decision to gut President Donald Trump’s ability to impose unlimited tariffs on imports from any country will force him to revert to a traditional set of diplomatic tools that he has largely ignored since returning to power.
The Friday decision, which came after months of speculation on whether the high court would permit him to continue claiming sweeping taxation powers under a 1977 law — the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which had never before been used for that purpose — struck down nearly every tariff Trump has levied on imports from most American trading partners since returning to the White House last January.
Gone are the “Liberation Day” tariffs he has touted as one of his major accomplishments since rolling out his “reciprocal tariff” policy at a shambolic Rose Garden event last April at which he displayed a poster showing he was putting taxes on imports from the uninhabited Heard and McDonald islands near Antarctica among other places.
Read Andrew Feinberg’s full analysis...
Will Trump’s ‘world’s greatest dealmaker’ reputation stand up without tariffs?
Illinois governor calls on Trump to pay tariff refunds to Americans
Friday 20 February 2026 21:50 , Brendan RasciusJB Pritzker, the Democratic governor of Illinois, has called on President Trump to pay billions of dollars in tariff refunds to Americans.
“The Supreme Court just confirmed what we already knew: Trump’s tariffs are illegal,” Pritzker, a billionaire heir to the Hyatt Hotels fortune, said in a video posted on X.
“He illegally took $1,700 from every American family. That’s a tax on working people,” he continued. “Donald Trump now owes you a refund for every dollar of it.”
Donald Trump owes American families a refund. pic.twitter.com/49eflACcUO
— JB Pritzker (@JBPritzker) February 20, 2026
Stocks rose on Friday after Supreme Court struck down Trump's sweeping tariffs
Friday 20 February 2026 21:45 , Brendan RasciusStocks rose on Friday after the Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs in a 6-3 ruling.
The S&P 500 rose by nearly 0.7 percent by the close of business on Friday evening. The Nasdaq Composite jumped up by nearly 0.9 percent, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average inched up by about 0.4 percent.
ANALYSIS: Trump learns a bitter truth: Plenty of conservatives don’t like his tariffs
Friday 20 February 2026 21:33 , Brendan RasciusPresident Donald Trump suffered one of the biggest blows to his domestic agenda on Friday when the Supreme Court struck down his power to levy tariffs. It was a massive body blow given how much Trump regularly talks about how tariffs are “my favorite word.”
The tariffs ruling could provide relief for both businesses and consumers, given how much businesses have had to absorb or pass on to their customers to cover the cost of what is effectively an import tax.
Almost immediately, he announced that he would impose a 10 percent tariff that would be in effect for 150 days. Trump essentially dared Republicans in Congress to let that tariff expire — and be seen as disloyal to the president.
Read Eric Garcia’s full analysis...
Trump learns a bitter truth: Plenty of conservatives don’t like his tariffs
Treasury secretary says tariffs will continue through other means after court's landmark ruling
Friday 20 February 2026 21:22 , Brendan RasciusTreasury Secretary Scott Bessent signaled that the administration’s tariff policy will continue through other means after the Supreme Court’s ruling on Friday.
“As I have said before, the President has multiple tools in his toolbox,” Bessent, a former hedge fund investor, wrote on X.
He wrote that the court did not strike down all of Trump’s levies. Instead, he said, the justices specifically limited the use of IEEPA (the International Emergency Economic Powers Act) for imposing tariffs intended to raise revenue.
“We will immediately shift to other proven authorities—Sections 232, 301, and 122—to keep our tariff strategy strong,” Bessent concluded.
Canadian trade official welcomes Supreme Court ruling
Friday 20 February 2026 21:12 , Brendan RasciusDominic LeBlanc, Canada’s minister for U.S.-Canada trade, welcomed the Supreme Court’s tariff ruling on Friday.
In a post on X, he wrote that the court’s landmark 6-3 decision “reinforces Canada’s position that the IEEPA tariffs imposed by the United States are unjustified.”
“While Canada has the best trade deal with the United States of any trading partner, we recognize that critical work lies ahead to support Canadian businesses and workers who remain affected by Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum and automotive sectors,” he added.
White House describes dim lighting at press conference as 'Dark MAGA'
Friday 20 February 2026 20:55 , Brendan RasciusIn a post on X, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung described the dim lighting at Trump’s press conference as “Dark MAGA.”
“President Trump will not be stopped,” he added.
His post came hours after the Supreme Court struck down one of the president’s signature economic policies.
Dark MAGA
— Steven Cheung (@StevenCheung47) February 20, 2026
President Trump will not be stopped. pic.twitter.com/GaCW74kbCU
'This is lawlessness:' JD Vance weighs in on high court's landmark tariff decision
Friday 20 February 2026 20:40 , Brendan RasciusOn Friday afternoon, Vice President JD Vance attacked the Supreme Court over its decision to strike down President Trump’s sweeping tariffs.
“Today, the Supreme Court decided that Congress, despite giving the president the ability to ‘regulate imports’, didn't actually mean it,” Vance wrote on X.
“This is lawlessness from the Court, plain and simple,” he added. “And its only effect will be to make it harder for the president to protect American industries and supply chain resiliency.”
Today, the Supreme Court decided that Congress, despite giving the president the ability to "regulate imports", didn't actually mean it. This is lawlessness from the Court, plain and simple. And its only effect will be to make it harder for the president to protect American…
— JD Vance (@JDVance) February 20, 2026
Trump posts lengthy Truth Social statement attacking justices
Friday 20 February 2026 20:15 , Brendan RasciusThe president took to Truth Social to post a lengthy statement — which appeared similar to his press conference remarks — attacking the Supreme Court for its tariff decision.
Statement from President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/YSI0KZvhOe
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 20, 2026
Trump rages that his own Supreme Court picks are ‘disgrace to the nation’ after 6-3 ruling against his tariff power
Friday 20 February 2026 19:50 , Brendan RasciusA sullen and defiant Donald Trump lashed out at the nation’s highest court in a hastily-convened press conference at which he two of the three justices he’d appointed of being “disloyal” and beholden to “foreign interests.” while vowing to use other authorities to force Americans to pay the import taxes on which he has based much of his domestic and foreign policy.
Speaking from the White House briefing room on Friday, Trump called the 6-3 Supreme Court ruling “deeply disappointing” and said he was “absolutely ashamed” of the Republican appointees on the court who’d failed to back his signature policy.
Andrew Feinberg reports...
Trump ‘ashamed’ at Supreme Court ‘fools’ over ‘disloyal’ ruling against his tariffs
Ruling is 'embarrassment' to families of Gorsuch and Barrett, president says
Friday 20 February 2026 19:35 , Brendan RasciusTrump described the court’s ruling as “an embarrassment” to the families of Justices Gorsuch and Barrett, both of whom he appointed during his first term.
“I don’t want to say whether or not I regret” their appointments, he said, but he noted that he was surprised by their decision.
WATCH: Trump labels justices 'fools and lapdogs' during press conference
Friday 20 February 2026 19:15 , Brendan RasciusTrump says justices who ruled against him are 'barely' invited to State of the Union
Friday 20 February 2026 19:03 , Brendan RasciusPresident Trump said the six justices who ruled against him are just “barely” invited to his State of the Union address.
"Honestly I couldn't care less if they come,” he told reporters on Friday.
The address to Congress is scheduled to take place on Tuesday. Historically, the high-profile speech is attended by members of the court, in addition to lawmakers and Cabinet officials.
10 percent global tariff to be implemented via executive order after Supreme Court defeat, Trump says
Friday 20 February 2026 18:54 , Brendan RasciusTrump said he'll sign an executive order to enact a 10 percent global tariff after the Supreme Court’s decision, which struck down his sweeping levies.
Trump on the court: 'They could have made this decision a long time ago'
Friday 20 February 2026 18:50 , Brendan RasciusAfter disputing its ruling, Trump criticized the court for taking too long to make its decision.
"They could have made this decision a long time ago,” he said. “We've waited months...that gave uncertainty.”
The president lists off three acts that he says justify his sweeping levies
Friday 20 February 2026 18:38 , Brendan RasciusAfter attacking the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling on tariffs, Trump listed three acts that he says justify his sweeping levies.
Specifically, he pointed to aspects of the Trade Expansion of Act 1962, the Trade Act of 1974 and the Tariff Act of 1930.
Trump praises the justices who dissented in tariff ruling
Friday 20 February 2026 18:36 , Brendan RasciusDuring his press conference on Friday, Trump praised the three justices who dissented, singling out Brett Kavanaugh.
"I would like to thank Justice Kavanaugh for his, frankly, his genius and his great ability — very proud of that appointment,” the president said.
Trump calls justices who ruled against him a 'disgrace to our nation'
Friday 20 February 2026 18:25 , Brendan RasciusDuring a White House briefing Friday afternoon, Trump lashed out at the six Supreme Court justices who ruled against him on tariffs.
“I'm ashamed of certain members of the court — absolutely ashamed — for not having the courage to do what's right for the country,” the Republican president said during a press briefing.
He went on to call the justices a “disgrace to our nation” and “fools and lapdogs.”
The Trump tariffs most affected after Supreme Court ruling
Friday 20 February 2026 18:05 , Brendan RasciusThe United States' highest court has invalidated some of President Donald Trump's most sweeping tariffs, ruling 6-3 that he exceeded his authority by invoking an emergency powers law to justify new taxes on goods from almost every nation globally.
This decision, delivered on Friday, overturns a core set of levies Mr Trump imposed under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
The IEEPA grants the president broad powers to regulate commerce following a declaration of national emergency.
Read the full report...
The Trump tariffs most affected after Supreme Court ruling
'There is now no room for doubt:' Mitch McConnell applauds court's ruling
Friday 20 February 2026 17:50 , Brendan RasciusSen. Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican and the former Senate majority leader, applauded the high court’s decision.
“Today, the Supreme Court reaffirmed authority that has rested with Congress for centuries,” he said in a statement on Friday.
“As a matter of Constitutional authority, there is now no room for doubt: the use of IEEPA to circumvent Congress in the imposition of tariffs – already without precedent – is also illegal,” he added.
Trump went on expletive-laden rant when learning of court’s ruling, report says
Friday 20 February 2026 17:30 , Brendan RasciusPresident Trump went on an expletive-laden tirade upon learning of the high court’s ruling, according to a report.
The Republican president was having breakfast with a group of governors on Friday morning when the court struck down the president’s sweeping tariffs in a 6-3 ruling.
Trump reportedly became “enraged” and “started ranting about the decision,” according to CNN.
At one point he attacked the judiciary, saying “these effing courts,” according to the outlet.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Independent.
Stocks jump as Wall Street reacts to bombshell Supreme Court tariffs ruling
Friday 20 February 2026 17:30 , Brendan RasciusU.S. stocks edged higher Friday after the Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs.
The bombshell ruling offered relief to investors after weaker-than-expected economic data dented sentiment earlier in the day.
The U.S. top court ruled against Trump's global tariffs enacted under a federal law meant for national emergencies.
Sruthi Shankar and Shashwat Chauhan report...
Wall Street reacts to bombshell Supreme Court tariffs ruling
House Speaker Mike Johnson says Congress and White House 'will determine the best path forward'
Friday 20 February 2026 17:25 , Brendan RasciusFollowing this morning’s ruling, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson said that Congress and the White House will work together to determine next steps.
“No one can deny that the President’s use of tariffs has brought in billions of dollars and created immense leverage for America’s trade strategy and for securing strong, reciprocal America-first trade agreements with countries that had been taking advantage of American workers for decades,” the Louisiana Republican wrote in a post on X.
“Congress and the Administration will determine the best path forward in the coming weeks,” he added.
No one can deny that the President’s use of tariffs has brought in billions of dollars and created immense leverage for America’s trade strategy and for securing strong, reciprocal America-first trade agreements with countries that had been taking advantage of American workers…
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) February 20, 2026
How is the UK reacting? It insists on its 'privileged position'
Friday 20 February 2026 17:22 , Brendan RasciusThe U.K.'s foreign secretary is due to meet her U.S. counterpart Marco Rubio in the next hour.
Yvette Cooper may have this new development to add to her agenda now, as the U.K. tries to seek clarity on what this means for their trading relationship.
But in a brief statement in the meantime, the government has said it expects its "privileged trading position" with the U.S. to live on.
"The UK enjoys the lowest reciprocal tariffs globally, and under any scenario we expect our privileged trading position with the US to continue," a British government spokesperson said. "We will work with the (U.S.) administration to understand how the ruling will affect tariffs for the UK and the rest of the world."
Trump set to hold afternoon briefing on court's tariff decision
Friday 20 February 2026 17:05 , Brendan RasciusTrump is set to hold a briefing on the Supreme Court’s landmark decision at 12:45 p.m. ET, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
🚨President Trump will hold a press briefing on the Supreme Court’s tariff decision at 12:45PM ET
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) February 20, 2026
Rand Paul says ruling makes clear what 'should have been obvious'
Friday 20 February 2026 16:55 , Brendan RasciusSen. Rand Paul, a Kentucky Republican who has frequently found himself at odds with the administration, said the ruling “makes plain what should have been obvious.”
He wrote on X that the authority to impose tariffs is “very clearly a branch of the power to tax.”
The Supreme Court makes plain what should have been obvious: “The power to impose tariffs is “very clearly a branch of the power to tax.” pic.twitter.com/tokdwelQRd
— Rand Paul (@RandPaul) February 20, 2026
Mike Pence weighs in on court's decision
Friday 20 February 2026 16:45 , Brendan RasciusFormer Vice President Mike Pence weighed in on the Supreme Court’s high-profile tariff decision — calling it a win for Americans and the constitutional system.
“Today’s 6-3 ruling by the Supreme Court is a Victory for the American People and a Win for the Separation of Powers enshrined in the Constitution of the United States,” Pence wrote in a post on X.
Today’s 6-3 ruling by the Supreme Court is a Victory for the American People and a Win for the Separation of Powers enshrined in the Constitution of the United States.
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) February 20, 2026
In Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, our Supreme Court has reaffirmed that the Constitution grants Congress -…
Some financial experts say court's ruling is unlikely to cause major market movement
Friday 20 February 2026 16:30 , Brendan RasciusSome financial experts have said that the court’s ruling will have minimal market impact, as investors had anticipated the decision.
“The Supreme Court ruling on Trump’s tariffs will unlikely be a big game changer for markets,” Matthew Ryan, the head of market strategy at Ebury, a global financial services firm, said in a statement.
“Not only was the decision broadly expected, but the president has already signalled that he will quickly pivot to other legal tools to achieve similar trade restrictions, and he has at his disposal multiple levers to pull in order to circumvent the verdict,” he added.
Gorsuch struck a conversational tone with those who may be against the ruling
Friday 20 February 2026 16:20 , Brendan RasciusJustice Neil Gorsuch struck a conversational tone with those who may be against the ruling in his concurring opinion, telling them that ultimately, this is a good thing.
"For those who think it important for the Nation to impose more tariffs, I understand that today’s decision will be disappointing. All I can offer them is that most major decisions affecting the rights and responsibilities of the American people (including the duty to pay taxes and tariffs) are funneled through the legislative process for a reason," Gorsuch wrote.
"But if history is any guide, the tables will turn and the day will come when those disappointed by today’s result will appreciate the legislative process for the bulwark of liberty it is,” the Trump-appointed justice added.
Gorsuch ruled with the majority against Trump but he did take issue with some aspects of the majority's argument.
He called out his liberal colleagues for reading IEEPA narrowly but not doing the same for other cases that call into question the "major questions doctrine." That is a legal interpretation of the Constitution in which Congress must very clearly authorize the executive branch to make a major political or economic decision, otherwise we must defer to Congress for authority.
ANALYSIS: It can't be overstated how significant a defeat for Trump this ruling is
Friday 20 February 2026 16:19 , Andrew FeinbergIt cannot be overstated how significant a defeat for Donald Trump this ruling is.
Since last April, he has bet — and bet big — on using an expansive and untested theory of presidential power to unilaterally impose taxes on American consumers while justifying them to voters by brazenly lying about the fact that those taxes are taxes rather than fees paid by foreign countries for the privilege of accessing American markets.
During that time, he has used that now-rejected authority as a kind of Swiss Army knife to bully adversaries and allies alike into making all sorts of concessions on trade and other matters while eschewing the normal give-and-take of international relations.
But this Supreme Court ruling has taken that all-purpose tool out of his hands, calling into question whether he'll be able to keep up the same level of bluster and bullying that has characterized his foreign policy since returning to power.
Without the ability to impose tariffs by fiat, Trump's signature style of negotiating may fall flat as his targets realize he can no longer make good on his threats.
Stocks rise after landmark Supreme Court decision
Friday 20 February 2026 16:10 , Brendan RasciusStocks rose on Friday shortly after the Supreme Court struck down Trump’s sweeping tariffs in a 6-3 decision.
The S&P 500 inched up 0.6 percent, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.3 percent. Yields on benchmark U.S. treasures also ticked up.
Republican senator decries court ruling as ‘outrageous’ and a victory for ‘globalists’
Friday 20 February 2026 16:01 , Brendan RasciusSen. Bernie Moreno, an Ohio Republican, decried the court’s ruling as “outrageous” and called it a victory for “globalists.”
“These tariffs protected jobs, revived manufacturing, and forced cheaters like China to pay up,” the Trump-allied lawmaker wrote in a post on X. “Now globalists win, factories investments may reverse, and American workers lose again.”
“This betrayal must be reversed,” he added.
SCOTUS’s outrageous ruling handcuffs our fight against unfair trade that has devastated American workers for decades. These tariffs protected jobs, revived manufacturing, and forced cheaters like China to pay up. Now globalists win, factories investments may reverse, and American…
— Bernie Moreno (@berniemoreno) February 20, 2026
Justices argued that IEEPA does not explicitly give president power to impose tariffs
Friday 20 February 2026 15:57 , Brendan RasciusA key part of the Supreme Court's argument is that the language in IEEPA does not explicitly giving the president the power to impose tariffs.
The court argues that the words "regulate" and "importation" do not authorize Trump to slap tariffs on imports "from any country, of any produce, at any rate, for any amount of time."
Court's ruling does not impact all of Trump's tariffs
Friday 20 February 2026 15:53 , Brendan RasciusThe court’s landmark ruling does not apply to all of the Republican president’s tariffs.
It leaves in place Trump’s sector-specific levies, including on steel, aluminum and copper.
The ruling instead upends the president’s “reciprocal” tariffs on dozens of nations as well as the a 25 percent rate he imposed on good from China, Mexico and Canada, NBC News reports.
Kavanaugh raised concerns about economic impacts in his dissent
Friday 20 February 2026 15:48 , Brendan RasciusIn his dissent, Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh raised concerns about the economic impacts of striking down tariffs.
While the high court did not provide a clear path forward for refunds, he said it could impact the U.S. Treasury.
“In the meantime, however, the interim effects of the Court’s decision could be substantial,” the Trump-appointed justice wrote.
“The United States may be required to refund billions of dollars to importers who paid the IEEPA tariffs, even though some importers may have already passed on costs to consumers or others,” he added.
'A victory for the wallets of every American:' Schumer praises justices' ruling on tariffs
Friday 20 February 2026 15:44 , Brendan RasciusSenate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer praised the justices’ decision in a social media post on Friday.
“A victory for the wallets of every American consumer,” the New York Democrat wrote. “Trump’s illegal tariff tax just collapsed...”
A victory for the wallets of every American consumer.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) February 20, 2026
Trump’s illegal tariff tax just collapsed—He tried to govern by decree and stuck families with the bill.
Enough chaos. End the trade war. pic.twitter.com/VrHIwTGJ0c
Trump calls court's ruling a 'disgrace': report
Friday 20 February 2026 15:41 , Brendan RasciusPresident Donald Trump has responded to the Supreme Court’s landmark decision to strike down his tariffs.
During a White House breakfast on Friday morning, he called the decision a “disgrace,” according to CNN, which reported that he “has a backup plan.”
Supreme Court strikes down Trump’s tariff plan
Friday 20 February 2026 15:34 , Brendan RasciusThe Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariff agenda Friday, dealing a seismic blow to the president’s key economic policy after months of chaos with America’s trading partners.
A ruling from the nation’s high court determined that the president’s global levies were unlawfully imposed under the 1977 law, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
Ariana Baio reports...