Senate Democrat: Trump has ‘no intention of following’ Constitution on tariffs
The Hill
by Tara SuterFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Senate democrat jeff merkley has criticized president trump for his approach to tariffs, stating that trump has "no intention of following" the constitution when it comes to trade policies. this comment came after a significant supreme court decision rejecting the legal basis for many of trump's expansive tariff actions. merkley's remarks highlight concerns about the administration's disregard for constitutional guidelines and its willingness to bypass established legal frameworks.
the supreme court ruling, which struck down key parts of trump's tariffs, has raised questions about the legality of his trade policies. traditionally, congress holds authority over international trade laws, but trump's administration often took actions that bypassed this process. merkley emphasized that trump's disregard for the constitution extends both in spirit and letter, suggesting a broader pattern of behavior.
this issue matters to politics enthusiasts because it touches on constitutional authority and the balance of power between branches of government. the debate over tariffs also has significant implications for u.s. trade policy and international relations. merkley's comments underscore the ongoing tensions between executive overreach and legislative oversight, making this a critical topic for those following political developments in washington.
the controversy highlights the broader context of trump's approach to trade during his presidency. his use of tariffs as a tool for negotiation with other countries has been both polarizing and unconventional. while supporters argue that it strengthens american trade positions, critics like merkley warn that such methods risk violating constitutional principles and destabilizing international trade systems.
in conclusion, the discussion surrounding trump's tariff policies and their alignment with constitutional obligations is a key issue in contemporary politics. merkley's remarks serve as a reminder of the ongoing tensions between executive authority and legislative checks, making this a matter of significant interest for anyone following u.s. political dynamics.
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Originally published on The Hill on 2/23/2026