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Trump Orders 10% Global Tariff After Court Bars Emergency Duties

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  • U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at the White House in Washington on Feb. 20, 2026, in this photo released by Reuters. (Yonhap)
    U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at the White House in Washington on Feb. 20, 2026, in this photo released by Reuters. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at the White House in Washington on Feb. 20, 2026, in this photo released by Reuters. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • US President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference in the Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on February 20, 2026. US President Donald Trump will hold a press conference Friday to discuss the Supreme Court’s ruling against a major part of his tariffs, spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP via Getty Images)
    US President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference in the Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on February 20, 2026. US President Donald Trump will hold a press conference Friday to discuss the Supreme Court’s ruling against a major part of his tariffs, spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP via Getty Images)
    Image: Newsweek
    US President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference in the Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on February 20, 2026. US President Donald Trump will hold a press conference Friday to discuss the Supreme Court’s ruling against a major part of his tariffs, spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP via Getty Images) Source Full size
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  • This file photo, released by Reuters, shows U.S. President Donald Trump delivering remarks on tariffs in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, on April 2, 2025. (Yonhap)
    This file photo, released by Reuters, shows U.S. President Donald Trump delivering remarks on tariffs in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, on April 2, 2025. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    This file photo, released by Reuters, shows U.S. President Donald Trump delivering remarks on tariffs in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, on April 2, 2025. (Yonhap) Source Full size
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  • U.S. President Donald Trump attends an event to announce a rollback of the 2009 Endangerment Finding in the Roosevelt Room at the White House on February 12, 2026 in Washington, DC.
    U.S. President Donald Trump attends an event to announce a rollback of the 2009 Endangerment Finding in the Roosevelt Room at the White House on February 12, 2026 in Washington, DC.
    Image: Newsweek
    U.S. President Donald Trump attends an event to announce a rollback of the 2009 Endangerment Finding in the Roosevelt Room at the White House on February 12, 2026 in Washington, DC. Source Full size
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  • Jenelle Peterson, co-founder of Wild Life Outdoor Adventures, at a toy convention in New York City this month
    Jenelle Peterson, co-founder of Wild Life Outdoor Adventures, at a toy convention in New York City this month
    Image: BBC
    Jenelle Peterson, co-founder of Wild Life Outdoor Adventures, at a toy convention in New York City this month (Danielle Kaye/BBC) Source Full size
  • Jenelle Peterson, co-founder of Wild Life Outdoor Adventures, at a toy convention in New York City this month
    Jenelle Peterson, co-founder of Wild Life Outdoor Adventures, at a toy convention in New York City this month
    Image: BBC
    Jenelle Peterson, co-founder of Wild Life Outdoor Adventures, at a toy convention in New York City this month (Danielle Kaye/BBC) Source Full size
  • An American flag flies in front of shipping containers and cranes at the Port of Los Angeles on September 26, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
    An American flag flies in front of shipping containers and cranes at the Port of Los Angeles on September 26, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
    Image: BBC
    An American flag flies in front of shipping containers and cranes at the Port of Los Angeles on September 26, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Getty Images) Source Full size
  • U.S. President Donald Trump attends an event to announce a rollback of the 2009 Endangerment Finding in the Roosevelt Room at the White House on February 12, 2026 in Washington, DC.
    U.S. President Donald Trump attends an event to announce a rollback of the 2009 Endangerment Finding in the Roosevelt Room at the White House on February 12, 2026 in Washington, DC.
    Image: Newsweek
    U.S. President Donald Trump attends an event to announce a rollback of the 2009 Endangerment Finding in the Roosevelt Room at the White House on February 12, 2026 in Washington, DC. Source Full size
  • US President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference in the Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on February 20, 2026. US President Donald Trump will hold a press conference Friday to discuss the Supreme Court’s ruling against a major part of his tariffs, spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP via Getty Images)
    US President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference in the Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on February 20, 2026. US President Donald Trump will hold a press conference Friday to discuss the Supreme Court’s ruling against a major part of his tariffs, spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP via Getty Images)
    Image: Newsweek
    US President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference in the Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on February 20, 2026. US President Donald Trump will hold a press conference Friday to discuss the Supreme Court’s ruling against a major part of his tariffs, spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP via Getty Images) Source Full size
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  • This file photo, released by Reuters, shows U.S. President Donald Trump delivering remarks on tariffs in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, on April 2, 2025. (Yonhap)
    This file photo, released by Reuters, shows U.S. President Donald Trump delivering remarks on tariffs in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, on April 2, 2025. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    This file photo, released by Reuters, shows U.S. President Donald Trump delivering remarks on tariffs in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, on April 2, 2025. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the press at the White House in Washington on Feb. 20, 2026, in this photo released by EPA. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
    U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the press at the White House in Washington on Feb. 20, 2026, in this photo released by EPA. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the press at the White House in Washington on Feb. 20, 2026, in this photo released by EPA. (Pool photo) (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • This photo, released by Reuters, shows the U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington. (Yonhap)
    This photo, released by Reuters, shows the U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    This photo, released by Reuters, shows the U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington. (Yonhap) Source Full size

Supreme Court’s 6‑3 decision ends IEEPA tariff authority The high court ruled on Feb 20‑21 2026 that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not let the president impose sweeping import taxes, holding that tariff power resides exclusively with Congress [5][9][15]. The opinion, authored by Chief Justice John Roberts, emphasized the constitutional separation of taxing authority and invalidated the “reciprocal” duties that had generated over $133 billion in revenue [1][12][18]. The ruling left untouched tariffs based on national‑security or other statutes, such as steel duties under Section 232 [1][3][4].

Trump pivots to a 10% levy under Section 122, capped at 150 days Hours after the decision, the president announced an executive order imposing a flat 10 % tariff on all imports, invoking the rarely used Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act [6][10][14]. The measure can remain in force for up to 150 days unless Congress extends it, and Trump framed it as “certainty” for the economy [2][7][20]. He also signaled readiness to use other statutes—including Sections 301 and 338—to reinforce trade pressure if needed [14][17][19].

Refund litigation and billions in collected duties dominate the fallout Customs data show $133‑$134 billion was collected under the invalidated tariffs, and the Court offered no guidance on reimbursement, prompting a wave of lawsuits from roughly 300,000 importers [18][19][9]. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said funds exist but warned refunds would be a “mess” and unlikely to reach consumers directly [18][15]. Industry groups such as the National Retail Federation and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce hailed the decision but urged swift, orderly refunds [13][7][15].

Markets, foreign partners and domestic politics react cautiously U.S. equities rose modestly after the ruling, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq gaining about 0.6‑1 % [8][10][13]. Brazil’s Vice President Geraldo Alckmin called the decision “important” for trade talks, while Argentina’s Vice President Victoria Villarruel warned of deeper reliance on China [3][8]. Republican leaders split: Mitch McConnell praised congressional authority, whereas some GOP lawmakers criticized the court’s limitation of presidential power [1][12][15].

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Timeline

Nov 5, 2025 – The Supreme Court hears oral arguments on whether President Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose country‑specific tariffs is lawful, a case fast‑tracked at the administration’s request [25].

May 2025 – A federal district court rules that the IEEPA‑based tariffs exceed presidential authority, setting the legal foundation for the Supreme Court challenge [19].

Aug 2025 – The U.S. Court of Appeals affirms the district court’s finding that the emergency‑tariff scheme violates IEEPA, reinforcing the argument that Congress, not the President, must authorize tariffs [19][20].

Dec 3, 2025 – President Trump urges the Court to uphold the tariffs, calling the case “country‑threatening” and arguing the duties are essential for national security and economic stability [25].

Dec 9, 2025 – Trump warns on Truth Social that a ruling against his tariffs would be “the biggest threat in history” to U.S. national security, insisting the duties have made the United States “financially strongest” [30][24].

Jan 2, 2026 – Trump declares that losing tariff authority would be a “terrible blow” to the United States, framing the tariffs as an “overwhelming national benefit” for security, revenue, and manufacturing [29].

Jan 8‑9, 2026 – Trade experts warn the Court’s decision could eliminate the 15 % Korea tariff, potentially requiring $150 billion in refunds and unsettling the U.S.–Korea investment pact that ties the tariff cut to a $350 billion Korean commitment [28].

Jan 9, 2026 – The Supreme Court postpones ruling on the legality of the reciprocal tariffs, leaving the policy in limbo and heightening market uncertainty [27].

Jan 12, 2026 – Trump posts that a Supreme Court strike would create a “complete mess” with billions of dollars in refunds, emphasizing the difficulty of unwinding the tariff regime [5][23].

Jan 14, 2026 – The Court again delays its decision, prompting continued speculation among business leaders about the global trade impact of the pending ruling [26].

Jan 16, 2026 – Administration officials outline a backup tariff plan, citing Section 301 and a 150‑day window as contingency tools should the Court invalidate the IEEPA tariffs [22].

Jan 20, 2026 – President Trump anxiously awaits the Court’s ruling, noting the 15 % Korea tariff tied to a $350 billion investment pledge and warning that a loss could force “hundreds of billions” in refunds [19][20][21].

Feb 20, 2026 – In a 6‑3 decision, the Supreme Court holds that the president lacks authority to impose sweeping global tariffs under IEEPA, striking down the “Liberation Day” duties that had reached up to 145 % on China and 50 % on other partners, and leaving $134 billion in collected duties without a refund mechanism [9][14][16][17].

Feb 20, 2026 – Trump denounces the three liberal justices as a “disgrace” and the three conservative justices as “ashamed,” then announces he will sign an executive order imposing a flat 10 % global tariff under Section 122, which allows a 150‑day levy unless Congress extends it [1][15][16].

Feb 20, 2026 – Treasury data confirm the administration has already collected more than $133 billion in IEEPA tariffs, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says alternative authorities should keep total tariff revenue “virtually unchanged” in 2026 [3][6][8].

Feb 20, 2026 – Business leaders such as toy importer Jenelle Peterson and apparel importer Linda Schlesinger‑Wagner welcome the ruling as a chance to revive imports, while warning that the refund process remains uncertain and could take years [4][8].

Feb 20, 2026 – Foreign officials react: Brazil’s Vice President Geraldo Alckmin says a uniform 10 % tariff will not hurt Brazil’s competitiveness, while Argentina’s Vice President Victoria Villarruel warns the decision deepens dependence on China [6].

Feb 20, 2026 – Analysts note the decision may embolden U.S. trading partners and set an awkward backdrop for Trump’s upcoming State of the Union address, with USMCA renegotiations slated for the summer [4].

Feb 21, 2026 – Trump formally vows to implement the 10 % worldwide tariff via executive order, emphasizing “very powerful alternatives” and pledging to maintain the tariff regime for up to 150 days while Congress considers extensions [6][7][8].

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