Trump Imposes 10% Global Tariff, Threatens Iran, and Denounces Supreme Court
Updated (2 articles)
Trump Announces 10% Global Tariff After Court Ruling President Donald Trump declared a 10% levy on all imports on Feb. 20, 2026, invoking Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 and stating it would take effect within days [1][2]. The tariff stacks on existing duties and replaces the emergency tariffs the Supreme Court struck down earlier that day [1][2]. Trump framed the move as a swift response to protect American industry after the Court invalidated his broader emergency powers [2].
Tariff Authority Limited to 150 Days Pending Congressional Action The administration said the new levy can remain in force for a maximum of 150 days unless Congress passes legislation to extend it [1][2]. Officials warned of a protracted legal battle over billions of dollars in refunds owed to importers, citing Learning Resources’ $10 million payment and demands from the National Retail Federation and U.S. Chamber of Commerce for prompt restitution [1][2]. California Governor Gavin Newsom called for immediate refund checks with interest, while House Speaker Mike Johnson pledged congressional oversight of the next steps [2].
Trump Condemns Justices and Labels Ruling a National Disgrace In a briefing, Trump called the six‑justice majority that struck down his tariffs “a disgrace to our nation,” while praising dissenters Justice Thomas Alito and Justice Brett Kavanaugh [1][2]. Vice President JD Vance echoed the criticism, describing the decision as “lawlessness” on X [1]. The president’s remarks underscored his strategy to politicize the Court’s decision and rally his base [2].
President Signals Possible Limited Military Strike on Iran Trump warned Iran that the United States is weighing a constrained strike and gave Tehran a 10‑ to 15‑day window to agree to a nuclear‑deal framework before any action [1][2]. He noted that while the Court barred the use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act for tariffs, other statutory authorities for steel, aluminum and related duties remain available [2]. The dual pressure of economic and military levers aims to force Tehran’s compliance, according to the administration [1].
Sources
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1.
CNN: Trump Unveils 10% Global Tariff After Court Blocks Emergency Duties: reports Trump’s 10% tariff announcement, his denunciation of the justices, VP Vance’s “lawlessness” comment, and CEO Rick Woldenberg’s claim of owed refunds .
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2.
CNN: Trump adds 10% global tariff, denounces court and eyes Iran strike: highlights business groups’ push for refunds, Governor Newsom’s demand for interest‑bearing checks, House Speaker Johnson’s congressional plan, and the Court’s note that other tariff powers remain intact .
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Timeline
2025 – The Trump administration imposes sweeping emergency tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, including over $10 million in duties on Learning Resources, setting the stage for later legal challenges [1].
Feb 20, 2026 – The U.S. Supreme Court rules 6‑3 that using the IEEPA to impose the sweeping emergency tariffs is illegal, while affirming that existing steel, aluminum and other tariff authorities remain available to the president [2].
Feb 20, 2026 – President Trump announces a new 10 % global tariff on all imports under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, to take effect within days and to remain in force for up to 150 days unless Congress extends it [1].
Feb 20, 2026 – Trump denounces the six‑justice majority as “a disgrace to our nation,” while praising dissenting justices Thomas Alito and Brett Kavanaugh [1].
Feb 20, 2026 – Vice President JD Vance posts on X that the Court’s ruling constitutes “lawlessness,” arguing it undermines congressional intent to protect American industry [1].
Feb 20, 2026 – Trump warns Iran that it has a 10‑ to 15‑day window to accept a nuclear‑deal framework before the United States launches a limited military strike, signaling a possible escalation [1][2].
Feb 20, 2026 – The administration signals a protracted legal battle over billions of dollars in tariff refunds, with Learning Resources CEO Rick Woldenberg insisting refunds are owed after his firm paid over $10 million in 2025 duties [1].
Feb 20, 2026 – Business groups (National Retail Federation, U.S. Chamber of Commerce) urge swift court processing of refunds; Governor Gavin Newsom demands immediate refund checks with interest; House Speaker Mike Johnson says Congress will chart the next steps [2].
Late July 2026 (≈150 days after Feb 20) – The 10 % global tariff’s statutory limit expires, prompting Congress to consider whether to extend, modify, or terminate the levy [1].
Post‑July 2026 – Ongoing litigation is expected over the obligation to return tariff payments and the legality of the new 10 % tariff authority, shaping future trade policy debates [1].
External resources (10 links)
- https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/04/16/governor-newsom-files-lawsuit-to-end-president-trumps-tariffs/ (cited 2 times)
- https://www.axios.com/2025/04/18/trump-national-emergency-declarations (cited 2 times)
- https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/bessent-expects-supreme-court-uphold-legality-trumps-tariffs-eyes-plan-b-2025-09-01/ (cited 2 times)
- https://x.com/JDVance/status/2024928034667545067?s=20 (cited 2 times)
- https://x.com/LeaderJohnThune/status/2024909322388423065?s=20 (cited 2 times)
- https://x.com/PressSec/status/2024891673268957692 (cited 2 times)
- https://x.com/SpeakerJohnson/status/2024892242930884617?s=20 (cited 2 times)