Trump Announces 10% Global Tariffs After Supreme Court Ruling on February 20, 2026

On February 20, 2026, President Trump announced a new 10% global tariff, a move that follows the Supreme Court's decision to block his previous tariffs. This new tariff is a 10% tax on goods from all countries.
By Newsroom | Politics, Economics |

President Donald Trump expressed strong disapproval of Supreme Court justices who ruled against his administration's tariffs, calling some a "disgrace." Following the court's decision to strike down his sweeping import taxes, Trump announced plans to implement new, across-the-board tariffs using a different trade law. This action sets up a potential conflict with Congress and signals a continued assertive approach to trade policy.

Background of the Ruling and Trump's Reaction

On Friday, the Supreme Court issued a 6-3 decision that denied President Trump the authority to unilaterally impose broad tariffs on goods from nearly all U.S. trading partners under a specific 1977 law. The court determined that this power primarily belongs to Congress during peacetime.

The Supreme Court's ruling rejected President Trump's claim of unilateral power to impose import taxes.

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Trump's response was swift and public. In a White House briefing, he criticized the justices in the majority, using terms such as "disgrace," "fools," and "disloyal to the Constitution." He specifically highlighted his appointees to the court, expressing shame over their decision. Trump also praised Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Brett Kavanaugh, who dissented from the majority opinion, for voting to uphold his tariff authority.

Read More: Supreme Court Limits President's Tariff Power, Congress Gains Control

Implementation of New Tariffs

In the same briefing, Trump announced his intention to impose a 10 percent tariff on goods from all countries, citing a different, rarely used trade law from the 1970s. This law allows the president to implement tariffs in response to trade deficits or other international payment issues. This move is expected to take effect within three days and may lead to a confrontation with members of his own party in Congress who may not support such broad tariff measures. Canada and Mexico are expected to be exempt from these new tariffs due to existing trade agreements.

Trump invoked a 1970s trade law to announce a new 10% global tariff, potentially creating a clash with Congress.

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The Supreme Court's decision represents a significant setback for Trump's economic agenda and his use of executive power to reshape trade policy. His administration has collected tens of billions of dollars through these tariffs, impacting companies and international trade. The ruling clarifies that the authority to enact tariffs in peacetime rests with Congress.

Read More: Most Americans Disapprove of Trump Tariffs Due to Rising Prices

The court's decision also has implications for the upcoming State of the Union address, where some justices are expected to be present, potentially creating an awkward dynamic given Trump's public criticism.

The ruling curbs the president's executive authority on tariffs, with Congress holding more power in this area.

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Judicial Dissents and Support

While the majority ruled against Trump, three justices—Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Brett Kavanaugh—dissented. Kavanaugh authored a dissenting opinion suggesting that other legal avenues might still exist for a president to impose tariffs. Trump specifically lauded these three justices for their stance, contrasting them with those in the majority. Neil Gorsuch, another Trump appointee, sided with the court's liberals in striking down the tariffs.

Three justices, including Trump appointees Thomas, Alito, and Kavanaugh, dissented from the ruling.

Analysis of Trump's Statements and Actions

Court observers and trade experts noted that Trump's reaction was not unexpected, given his significant investment in the outcome of the tariff case. His public criticism of the Supreme Court, particularly his own appointees, is an extraordinary display of presidential discontent with a judicial ruling. Some reports indicate that Trump has historically faced scrutiny for surrounding himself with friendly reporters during press briefings to avoid challenging questions. The president did not provide further details when pressed on the specifics of his criticisms.

Read More: Trump Plans New Tariffs After Supreme Court Blocks Old Ones

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Trump's strong reaction is seen as consistent with his focus on the tariff case outcome.

Conclusion and Future Steps

The Supreme Court's ruling has declared many of President Trump's tariffs illegal, weakening a key aspect of his trade policy. In response, Trump has vowed to pursue new tariffs through different legal channels, setting the stage for further legal battles and potential political contention. The administration indicated that any expected refunds on the invalidated tariffs would likely involve years of litigation. The exact implications for global trade, the economy, and personal finances remain under observation.

The ruling marks a significant defeat for Trump's tariff policy, with new tariffs now being implemented through alternative legal means.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did President Trump announce new tariffs on February 20, 2026?
President Trump announced new 10% tariffs on goods from all countries on February 20, 2026, because the Supreme Court ruled against his previous tariffs. He is using a different trade law to put these new taxes in place.
Q: What did the Supreme Court decide about Trump's tariffs on February 20, 2026?
On February 20, 2026, the Supreme Court decided that President Trump did not have the power to put broad tariffs on goods from most countries. The court said that Congress, not the president, has this power during times of peace.
Q: How does the Supreme Court's ruling affect President Trump's power?
The Supreme Court's ruling limits President Trump's power to use executive action to set tariffs. It means Congress has more control over trade taxes in peacetime.
Q: How did President Trump react to the Supreme Court's decision on February 20, 2026?
President Trump strongly criticized the Supreme Court justices who voted against him, calling some a "disgrace." He praised the justices who disagreed with the ruling and announced he would use a different law to apply new tariffs.
Q: What are the potential results of Trump's new tariffs announced on February 20, 2026?
The new 10% global tariffs announced by President Trump on February 20, 2026, could lead to disagreements with Congress. This action signals a continued strong approach to trade policy and may affect international trade and the economy.