Donald Trump Has Choice Words For SCOTUS Justices In The Wake Of Their Tariff Decision

Above the Law

by Staci Zaretsky

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Donald Trump has expressed strong criticism of Supreme Court justices following their 6-3 ruling that struck down his sweeping tariffs on imported steel and aluminum. The president called the decision "deeply disappointing" and criticized certain justices for lacking the "courage to do what’s right for our country." In a press conference, Trump praised Justices Thomas, Alito, and Kavanaugh for their dissents, while referring to the liberal justices as a "disgrace to our nation." His comments highlight his ongoing clashes with SCOTUS and reflect his broader strategy of positioning himself as an opponent to what he perceives as judicial overreach. The tariffs in question were imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which allows the president to regulate trade during national emergencies. However, the majority ruled that Trump had overstepped by using IEEPA for ongoing trade disputes with allies like Canada and Mexico, rather than addressing genuine emergencies. The decision underscores the high court's role in checking executive authority and maintaining the balance of power between branches of government. Trump’s reaction is part of a broader pattern of criticism he has directed at SCOTUS, particularly its liberal members. His comments not only reflect his administration’s frustration with the court’s decisions but also align with his campaign-style rhetoric that positions him as an outsider fighting against Washington’s "deep state." The ruling and Trump’s response could have significant implications for future trade policy and the relationship between the executive branch and the judiciary, particularly under a divided political climate.

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Originally published on Above the Law on 2/20/2026