'So it's a loss then?': Moment Donald Trump learnt of Supreme Court's tariff blow mid-meeting
Times of India
by TOI WORLD DESKFebruary 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
US President Donald Trump learned of the Supreme Court’s ruling striking down his global tariff policy during a closed-door meeting with governors at the White House. According to reports, Trump was handed a note by a trade adviser midway through the meeting, informing him of the decision. Reacting calmly outwardly but seething internally, Trump described the ruling as a “disgrace” and quickly cut short the session, leaving the room to focus on preparing his response.
The Supreme Court’s 6–3 decision, written by Chief Justice John Roberts, struck down Trump’s tariffs despite the conservative majority. Notably, three conservative justices—Roberts, Gorsuch, and Barrett—joined the court’s three liberal justices in ruling against Trump, while the remaining three conservatives dissented. This marked the first time during Trump’s second term that the Supreme Court decisively overturned one of his policies.
Trump expressed frustration over the court’s decision, calling it a “matter of life or death” and warning of an economic disaster if the tariffs were overturned. He also criticized the justices personally, labeling them “fools” and “lapdogs for Democrats,” and accused them of being swayed by foreign interests. The ruling is expected to require the White House to develop new legal justification for Trump’s tariff policies.
The decision has significant implications for US trade policy and international relations. Trump had long argued that he had the right to impose tariffs as president, but the court’s ruling challenges this authority. This marks a major setback for Trump’s trade agenda and highlights ongoing tensions between the executive branch and the judiciary.
In response to the ruling, Trump emphasized his belief in the rule of law but dismissed the justices’ patriotism, calling their decision “disloyal” to the Constitution. The outcome underscores the broader political implications of the Supreme Court’s role in shaping US policy and the ongoing debate over the balance of power between branches of government.
Verticals
worldasia
Originally published on Times of India on 2/22/2026