After Supreme Court Loss, Trump Plans to Impose Global Tariffs Using Different Laws

NYT Homepage

by Tony Romm and Tyler Pager

February 21, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

President Trump has announced plans to reimpose global tariffs after suffering a significant legal setback at the Supreme Court, which invalidated his emergency trade measures. The administration had been preparing for this outcome for months and has developed contingency strategies to bypass the court’s ruling. Trump intends to use alternative legal authorities under the 1974 Trade Act, specifically Section 122, to impose a 10 percent tariff on all imports starting February 24. This marks the first time any president has invoked this provision. In addition to the new tariffs, Trump plans to utilize Section 301 of the same act to investigate and identify “unfair trade practices” by other countries, potentially leading to further tariffs. While the exact targets and scope of these investigations remain unclear, the administration’s actions suggest a broader effort to maintain its aggressive trade policies despite the Supreme Court’s ruling. Trump has also hinted that these new measures could be even more impactful than his previously invalidated emergency tariffs. The president’s announcement reflects his determination to continue leveraging trade policy as a key tool in his economic and diplomatic strategy. During a press conference, Trump asserted that he remains undeterred by the legal loss, emphasizing his ability to impose tougher restrictions if necessary. He also reiterated his belief that these actions are crucial for protecting U.S. interests in the global trade arena. This move is significant because it underscores Trump’s willingness to circumvent judicial constraints and maintain his maximalist approach to international trade. By invoking rarely used sections of the Trade Act, he aims to preserve his administration’s economic leverage on the global stage. However, the long-term implications of these actions for U.S. trade relations and the broader economy remain uncertain. For readers following developments in U.S. trade policy, this shift highlights the administration’s ongoing commitment to reshaping international trade dynamics through unilateral measures. It also raises questions about how other countries will respond to these new tariffs and investigations, potentially escalating global trade tensions further.

Verticals

newsgeneral

Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/21/2026