'Hats off': Cong praises US SC verdict on Trump tariffs, hails 'American system of checks and balance'
Times of India
by TOI NEWS DESKFebruary 21, 2026
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NEW DELHI: The Congress party in India has praised the U.S. Supreme Court's recent ruling striking down President Donald Trump's tariffs, calling it a testament to the "American system of checks and balances." In a 6-3 decision, the court invalidated Trump's sweeping global tariffs, which were imposed under an emergency powers law. Jairam Ramesh, the general secretary of the Congress, congratulated the U.S. Supreme Court for its decision, calling it "amazing" given the ideological composition of the bench.
The ruling has significant implications for the trade deal between the U.S. and India announced earlier this year. Veteran Congress leader P Chidambaram has demanded that the Indian government explain how the judgment affects the agreement signed on February 6. He pointed out that while the U.S. extracted several concessions from India, including zero tariffs on certain goods and commitments to import $500 billion worth of products from the U.S., it remains unclear what will happen to these terms now.
Despite the court's decision, Trump has shown resistance to the ruling. He announced additional 10% global tariffs on imported items into the U.S., signaling that he plans to continue his aggressive trade policies. During a press conference at the White House, Trump criticized the Supreme Court justices who voted against him, calling them "fools and lapdogs" for not acting in what he perceives as the best interest of the country.
The case highlights the ongoing tension between the executive branch and the judiciary in the U.S. While the court found that Congress holds the constitutional power to impose taxes, including tariffs, Trump has shown no intention of backing down from his trade agenda. This decision could set a precedent for future disputes over executive authority and congressional powers.
For readers interested in global trade dynamics and international relations, this ruling underscores the complexities of U.S.-India trade negotiations and the role of judicial oversight in curbing executive overreach. As an Indian delegation continues to finalize the Framework Agreement with the U.S., questions remain about how the Supreme Court's decision will impact the deal and whether the concessions secured by the U.S. will hold or be renegotiated. This case also serves as a reminder of the importance of judicial checks and balances in maintaining constitutional governance, even in one of the world's most influential democr
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/21/2026