Trump DEFIES Supreme Court – Makes MAJOR Move!

President Trump defied a Supreme Court smackdown by instantly hiking global tariffs to the legal maximum, exposing the raw clash between executive muscle and judicial restraint.

Story Snapshot

Supreme Court rules 6-3 on February 20, 2026, that IEEPA grants no tariff authority, striking down Trump’s prior emergency-based duties.
Trump signs 10% tariffs under Section 122 that same day, effective February 24, targeting most imports for balance-of-payments fixes.
On February 21, Trump announces via Truth Social an immediate jump to 15%, the Section 122 cap, calling the ruling “ridiculous” and “anti-American.”
New tariffs last 150 days without Congress; steel, aluminum, and autos exempt, but consumers face imminent price surges.
Move sustains Trump’s protectionist agenda amid trade deficits, risking retaliation while testing constitutional limits.

Supreme Court Invalidates IEEPA Tariffs

U.S. Supreme Court delivered a 6-3 ruling in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump on February 20, 2026. Justices held IEEPA authorizes no presidential tariffs during peacetime. The law targets sanctions and asset freezes against extraordinary threats, not routine taxation powers reserved for Congress. Trump had invoked IEEPA for 25% duties on Canada and Mexico over drugs, 10-20% on China, and broader 10%+ on all imports, escalating to 145% on some Chinese goods in 2025. Court rejected these “dizzying modifications” as overreach.

Trump’s Swift Pivot to Section 122

Trump signed a proclamation that Friday for 10% tariffs under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. This statute permits up to 15% duties for 150 days on imports addressing “large and serious” U.S. balance-of-payments deficits. No initial congressional approval required, though Commerce Department probes enable further actions. Prior IEEPA tariffs collapsed, but steel, aluminum, and auto duties under separate laws endure unaffected.

Truth Social Announcement Maximizes Authority

Saturday, February 21, Trump posted on Truth Social his intent to raise tariffs to 15%, declaring it “effective immediately.” He stated, “Please let this statement serve to represent that I… will be… raising the 10% Worldwide Tariff… to the fully allowed… 15% level.” Trump labeled the Supreme Court decision “poorly written,” “ridiculous,” and “anti-American.” No formal proclamation followed yet, but the post signals rapid execution to sustain his Make America Great Again trade push.

This maneuver spotlights executive agility. Common sense affirms presidents must counter judicial blocks with lawful tools to protect American workers from foreign exploitation. Facts align: Section 122 exists precisely for such deficits, and Trump’s base cheers shielding U.S. manufacturing from nations “ripping us off.”

Trump says he will raise global tariffs to 15% after Supreme Court decisionhttps://t.co/UDQy9lsaya

— DustinEdlin (@blackbear675) February 21, 2026

Stakeholders and Power Tensions

Donald Trump drives the policy as protectionist champion. Importers like Learning Resources, Inc., and V.O.S. Selections sued successfully, facing duty burdens. Supreme Court enforced statutory bounds, with Justice Kagan concurring on limits. Commerce Department eyes probes for extras. Executive-judicial friction peaks: Trump bypasses Congress short-term, but extension demands lawmakers post-150 days. Importers dread costs; exporters from Canada, Mexico, China brace hardest.

Economic Ripples and Political Tests

Short-term, 15% tariffs hike import prices starting February 24, disrupting supply chains for 150 days. Consumers pay more; deficits targeted but inflation and trade wars loom long-term. Political win bolsters Trump’s base, proving resolve against “globalist” courts. Axios highlights the quick Section 122 max-out, forecasting more measures. Legal challenges brew, yet this aligns conservative values: prioritize American jobs over unchecked imports.