Late Night Sums Up Trump’s Tariff Tiff with the Supreme Court

NYT Homepage

by Trish Bendix

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The Supreme Court dealt a significant blow to President Trump’s tariff policies in a 6-3 ruling that declared his go-it-alone tariff regime unconstitutional. This decision marked a rare moment of resistance even among conservative justices appointed by Trump, leading comedians like Jon Stewart and Jimmy Fallon to mock the president’s reaction. Stewart quipped that the court’s decision would likely prompt introspection for Trump, who had previously believed he wielded complete control over the judiciary. The ruling was part of a broader legal challenge to Trump’s tariffs, which were described as sweeping and deeply divisive. Following the Supreme Court’s decision, Trump announced plans to appeal to an even more unlikely authority—”the Supremer Court,” as he mockingly referred to it in reference to pop icon Diana Ross. Meanwhile, Fallon humorously noted that the U.S. may face a $140 billion refund obligation due to the tariffs, which have now been deemed illegal. The case highlighted the ongoing tension between Trump’s belief in his authority and the reality of constitutional constraints. Comedians like Jimmy Kimmel pointed out the absurdity of the situation, comparing it to one of Trump’s many legal misadventures, such as the infamous “艳照门” scandal involving a porn star and a lawyer. These jokes underscored the broader cultural impact of the ruling, which was seen as a rare moment of accountability for Trump. The Supreme Court’s decision also raised questions about the practical implications of the ruling. Companies affected by the tariffs are now seeking refunds, but the process remains unclear. Kimmel humorously likened the situation to Rumpelstiltskin, suggesting that Trump’s reluctance to refund payments could lead to a political and financial headache. Overall, the Supreme Court’s ruling on Trump’s tariffs was a significant moment in U.S. politics and law. It not only set a legal precedent but also provided comedians with ample material to poke fun at the intersection of power, policy, and jurispr

Verticals

newsgeneral

Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/24/2026