Trump Defies Supreme Court–Tariffs Surge!

President Trump boldly raises global tariffs to 15% just days after a Supreme Court ruling blocks his prior plan, vowing to protect American workers from foreign exploitation despite judicial hurdles.

Story Highlights

Supreme Court 6-3 ruling on February 20, 2026, strikes down Trump’s IEEPA-based global tariffs as overreach of presidential power.
Trump immediately signs executive order for 10% tariffs under Section 122 of the Trade Act, then hikes to 15% via social media on February 21.
New tariffs target non-CUSMA global imports for 150 days, exempting key sectors like pharma, autos, and electronics to shield U.S. consumers.
Trump blasts ruling as “anti-American,” praises dissenting justices, and promises more revenue to fuel America First agenda.

Supreme Court Ruling Shakes Tariff Authority

The U.S. Supreme Court issued a 6-3 decision on Friday, February 20, 2026, invalidating President Trump’s global tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Justices ruled that Congress holds primary authority over tariffs, deeming the president’s emergency use an overstep. Dissenters Alito, Thomas, and Kavanaugh argued the decision might not fully constrain future actions. Trump quickly pivoted, signing an executive order that evening for 10% tariffs under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974.

Trump Announces 15% Tariff Increase

On Saturday morning, February 21, 2026, President Trump announced via social media an increase to 15%, the maximum under Section 122, effective immediately or starting Tuesday. These tariffs last 150 days without congressional approval and apply to non-CUSMA compliant global imports. Exemptions cover CUSMA goods from Canada and Mexico, plus U.S. industries like beef, pharmaceuticals, cars, and electronics. The White House extended de minimis suspensions on low-value imports like those from Shein and Temu, adding 10-15% duties.

America First Trade Strategy Persists

Trump’s move upholds his second-term economic nationalism, countering trade imbalances where foreign nations “rip off” America. Prior 2025 actions included 25% tariffs on Canadian goods over drugs, prompting retaliation, and reciprocal tariffs on high-taxing countries. Steel, aluminum, auto, and lumber tariffs remain intact. Trump claims the new path generates more revenue, aligning with Making America Great Again by protecting jobs and industries from globalist exploitation.

This workaround tests separation of powers but respects constitutional limits short-term. Republican-majority Congress may extend post-150 days, though Trump asserts no need. Trade partners like the EU, Japan, India, and UK face pressures, potentially spurring fairer deals.

SCOTUS run by China, others
BREAKING: President Trump Defies 'Anti-American' Supreme Court, Raises Global Tariffs to 15% Effective Immediately https://t.co/yyA2u11U3Z #gatewaypundit via @gatewaypundit

— Paul (@Gonzowriter7) February 21, 2026

Impacts on Economy and Trade Partners

Short-term, tariffs disrupt supply chains and raise costs for importers and consumers on non-exempt goods, while boosting federal revenue. U.S. retailers face higher prices from global sources, but exemptions minimize pain in essentials. Long-term, Section 301 investigations could escalate targeted tariffs. Past Canada retaliation shows risks, yet Trump’s base cheers protectionism over open-border globalism that eroded manufacturing.

Analysts note disruption but affirm legality under Section 122. Trump praised Kavanaugh’s dissent foreseeing ongoing tariff tools. Critics push congressional approval, but facts show executive authority holds for now, prioritizing American workers.