Trump Says Court Ruling Boosts His Trade Authority, Unveils New 10% Global Tariff
Updated (2 articles)
Supreme Court Rules IEEPA Cannot Be Used for Tariffs The Court voted 6‑3 to strike down the sweeping duties President Donald Trump imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, holding that the statute’s language does not grant tariff authority and that such power resides with Congress [2]. Chief Justice John Roberts authored the majority opinion, emphasizing the lack of any textual or historical basis for presidential tariff‑setting [2]. The decision nullified the emergency‑power tariffs that had been applied worldwide since the previous year [1].
Trump Announces New Global Tariff Under 1974 Trade Act In response, Trump posted on Truth Social that he will sign an order imposing a 10 % blanket tariff on all imports, citing Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 as the legal basis [1][2]. He indicated the rate could rise to 15 % after a review of “new and legally permissible tariffs,” and that the measures will take effect on Tuesday [1]. The administration notes the tariffs are permissible for 150 days and will expire unless Congress extends them [1].
Refund Claims Target Over $130 Billion Collected The invalidated emergency duties had generated more than $130 billion in revenue, now subject to refund lawsuits by importers and businesses [2]. The Court offered no guidance on how refunds should be processed, leaving the issue to lower courts and raising concerns about one of the largest reimbursement efforts in U.S. history [2]. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker sent an $8.6 billion invoice demanding $1,700 per household refund, reflecting mounting state pressure for restitution [2].
Political Leaders React, Highlight Partisan Divide Trump claimed the ruling “accidentally and unwittingly gave me far more powers,” framing the decision as an expansion of his trade authority [1]. House Speaker Mike Johnson praised the tariffs as leverage that generated billions of dollars [1]. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer hailed the ruling as a victory for consumers, while Republicans split between praise from Rep. Don Bacon and warnings from Sen. Rand Paul about curbing emergency powers [2].
Sources
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1.
Newsweek: Trump claims Supreme Court ruling expands his trade powers after tariff strike‑down: Trump asserts the decision unintentionally broadened his authority, announces a 10 % global tariff, and highlights Speaker Johnson’s endorsement, all posted on Truth Social .
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2.
Newsweek: Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump’s Emergency‑Power Tariffs: The article explains the 6‑3 ruling that IEEPA cannot authorize tariffs, outlines $130 billion in pending refunds, details the new 10 % tariff plan under the Trade Act, and reports divergent reactions from Democrats and Republicans .
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Timeline
2025 – President Donald Trump imposes sweeping global tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), arguing that decades‑long trade imbalances justify “terrible” actions against foreign countries. [2]
Feb 20, 2026 – The U.S. Supreme Court rules 6‑3 that IEEPA does not authorize presidential tariffs, restoring Congress’s constitutional taxing power and nullifying the Trump‑imposed duties; Chief Justice John Roberts writes the statute’s text and history lack any tariff authority. [2]
Feb 20, 2026 – The ruling endangers more than $130 billion in duties already collected, spurring importers and businesses to file massive refund lawsuits that could become one of the largest reimbursement efforts in U.S. history. [2]
Feb 20, 2026 – President Trump announces he will sign an order to levy a 10 % global surcharge under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act, a power that permits duties up to 15 % for 150 days without congressional approval, and claims the new tariff will generate “more money.” [2]
Feb 20, 2026 – Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker sends an $8.6 billion invoice demanding a $1,700 refund per household, accusing the tariffs of “wreaking havoc on farmers.” [2]
Feb 20, 2026 – Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer calls the decision “a victory for every American consumer,” while Rep. Hakeem Jeffries calls it “a crushing defeat for Trump,” underscoring partisan splits over trade policy. [2]
Feb 20, 2026 – Financial markets react modestly: the S&P 500 rises 0.4 % and the Nasdaq 0.7 % before retail stocks retreat, and Bitcoin briefly tops $68,000. [2]
Feb 23, 2026 – President Trump posts on Truth Social that the Supreme Court “accidentally and unwittingly gave me … far more powers,” asserting the decision expands his ability to use trade licenses for “terrible” actions against long‑time trade adversaries. [1]
Feb 23, 2026 – House Speaker Mike Johnson tweets that the president’s tariffs have generated billions of dollars and give the United States strong leverage in trade negotiations, pledging that Congress and the administration will decide next steps. [1]
Feb 24, 2026 – The newly announced 10 % blanket tariff on all countries takes effect, with the administration indicating it could rise to 15 % after a review of “new and legally permissible tariffs.” [1]
Feb 24 2026 onward – The 10 % tariff remains authorized for 150 days under Section 122 of the Trade Act, set to expire in late July 2026 unless Congress passes an extension. [1]
External resources (12 links)
- https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/LSB11281 (cited 3 times)
- https://x.com/SenatorHassan (cited 9 times)
- https://x.com/JDVance (cited 6 times)
- https://x.com/RepJeffries (cited 6 times)
- https://x.com/SenAmyKlobuchar (cited 6 times)
- https://x.com/AmericanFreedom (cited 3 times)
- https://x.com/BenjaminSWeiss/status/2024913315374207379 (cited 3 times)
- https://x.com/JonathanTurley/status/2024873977538294161 (cited 3 times)
- https://x.com/RepDonBacon/status/2024876064216866992 (cited 3 times)
- https://x.com/SenSchumer (cited 3 times)
- https://x.com/amyklobuchar (cited 3 times)
- https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/116109447886304328 (cited 1 times)