John Yoo: Supreme Court’s tariff ruling a ‘blessing in disguise’ for Trump
The Hill
by Fiona BorkFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Supreme Court’s recent ruling striking down most of President Trump’s tariffs has been dubbed a “blessing in disguise” by former U.S. Deputy Assistant Attorney General John Yoo. In an interview, Yoo argued that while the decision may appear to limit Trump’s ability to enforce his trade policies, it could ultimately work in his favor by potentially boosting the economy ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The ruling, which invalidated a significant portion of the tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, has sparked widespread debate over its implications for U.S. trade policy and presidential authority.
Yoo’s perspective hinges on the idea that delaying or revising the tariffs could have positive economic consequences. He suggests that if Trump is forced to reconsider or scale back his tariff policies, it might lead to improved relations with key trading partners and reduced tensions in global markets. This, Yoo believes, could result in a stronger economy and better voter sentiment for Trump as he campaigns in 2026. The legal battle over tariffs has been a contentious issue, with critics arguing that the tariffs caused more harm than good by raising prices on consumer goods and sparking retaliatory measures from other countries.
The Supreme Court’s decision also raises important questions about presidential authority and Congress’s role in regulating international trade. Yoo, who served in the Justice Department under Presidents George W. Bush and Trump, emphasized that the ruling could set a precedent for future administrations, limiting the executive branch’s ability to impose tariffs without congressional approval. This shift in legal interpretation could have long-term implications for U.S. trade policy, potentially leading to more collaborative decision-making between the executive and legislative branches.
For readers interested in politics, this development highlights the delicate balance of power between the branches
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Originally published on The Hill on 2/20/2026