Supreme Court strikes down Trump’s sweeping tariffs, upending central plank of his economic agenda - AP News
AP News
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Supreme Court has ruled against former President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, marking a significant blow to one of his signature economic policies. The landmark decision, which overturned key portions of the 2018 tariffs, was based on the argument that Trump overstepped presidential authority by bypassing Congress when imposing these trade barriers. This move not only undermines Trump's central economic agenda but also sets an important precedent for future policy decisions involving executive power and international trade.
The tariffs in question were part of Trump's "America First" strategy, which he justified as necessary to protect national security. However, the Court majority found that the tariffs exceeded presidential authority under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which grants the president limited powers to impose import restrictions. The decision was split along ideological lines, with conservative justices including Justice Neil Gorsuch and Justice Kavanaugh voting against Trump's position.
In a concurring opinion, Justice Brett Kavanaugh emphasized that the tariffs were "ill-founded" and noted that the majority agreed on the key legal points despite differing on remedy. This ruling could have broader implications for future trade policy, potentially limiting the president's ability to unilaterally impose tariffs without congressional approval. The decision also reflects growing scrutiny of executive overreach, particularly in areas traditionally within Congress's purview.
The Court's ruling is a major victory for U.S. allies and international businesses who had long opposed the tariffs, arguing they caused economic disruption and retaliatory measures. The decision could pave the way for challenges to other Trump-era trade actions, including tariffs on Chinese goods. As Biden administration officials weigh future trade policies, this ruling underscores the importance of balancing national interests with international relations.
For readers interested in news, this decision highlights the ongoing tension between executive power and legislative authority in the U.S. government. It also underscores the broader implications for international trade agreements and the potential for long-term economic impacts. The ruling is a significant milestone in legal and policy circles, offering insights into how future administrations may approach trade and tariffs.
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Originally published on AP News on 2/20/2026