SCOTUStoday for Thursday, February 26

SCOTUSblog

by Kelsey Dallas

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

A new Economist/YouGov poll reveals that 57% of Americans either strongly or somewhat approve of the Supreme Court’s ruling on tariffs, with significant partisan divides. While Democrats and Independents show higher approval rates (68%), Republicans are split, with only 27% approving compared to 51% who disapprove. This reflects broader political tensions over trade policies and the court's decision to strike down President Trump’s tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The Supreme Court recently addressed several cases, including *Villarreal v. Texas*, where it upheld a lower court’s ruling on defendant-lawyer interactions during testimony, while also deciding that government contractors cannot immediately appeal immunity claim rejections in *The GEO Group, Inc. v. Menocal*. These decisions highlight the court’s ongoing focus on procedural and legal boundaries. In another case, *Pung v. Isabella County*, justices examined the constitutionality of tax foreclosure sales, setting the stage for future rulings on property rights and state authority. Meanwhile, upcoming cases like *United States v. Hemani* will test the Second Amendment by challenging federal statutes that prohibit gun possession by individuals with drug convictions. President Trump’s pivot to reimposing tariffs under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 has sparked legal uncertainty. While Trump aims to bypass Supreme Court limitations on his previous tariff strategy, experts question whether this approach holds constitutional or statutory validity. This could set a precedent for future presidential actions and the limits of executive authority. Additionally, U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy recently ruled against Trump’s policy allowing rapid deportations to third countries without due process, pausing the decision for 15 days to allow an appeal. This case underscores ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement and constitutional rights, with the Supreme Court likely to play a decisive role in its resolution. These developments collectively illustrate how the Supreme Court is navigating complex legal terrain, balancing political implications with judicial precedent. The outcomes of these cases will shape future trade policies, executive authority, and immigration enforcement, making them critical for understanding the evolving landscape of American law.

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Originally published on SCOTUSblog on 2/26/2026