Court gives Trump a harsh lesson in the limits of his power
Sydney Morning Herald
by Michael KoziolFebruary 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The U.S. Supreme Court delivered a significant blow to President Donald Trump’s authority by striking down his “Liberation Day” tariffs in a 6-3 ruling. The court found that Trump exceeded his presidential powers when he imposed the tariffs using emergency authority, leaving the federal government vulnerable to refund demands of up to $160 billion. This decision marks a major curb on Trump’s push to expand executive power and represents a rare rebuke from a court majority that has often sided with him.
Trump reacted with frustration, accusing the justices who ruled against him—Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett, both appointed by Trump—as well as other Democrat-appointed judges, of being disloyal. He suggested they were influenced by political or foreign interests, calling them “fools” and “lapdogs.” This ruling highlights the tension between Trump’s belief in his unchecked authority and the constitutional limits of the presidency.
The tariffs, introduced in 2024, were part of Trump’s effort to assert emergency powers broadly. He argued they were necessary for national security, but critics contended they were a protectionist move to combat imports from China and other countries. The court’s decision underscores that such economic measures must adhere to Congress’s authority over trade policy.
This case is significant not only for its impact on U.S. trade policy but also for its implications on the balance of power in the government. It shows that even a president with significant influence over the judiciary cannot act without constitutional limits, reinforcing the role of an independent judiciary. The ruling serves as a reminder that no branch of government operates above the law, regardless of political allegiance.
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/21/2026