Tariff Ruling May Strengthen Trump | RealClearPolitics

RealClearPolitics

by Kyle Sammin, UnHerd

February 22, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Today, the Supreme Court ruled in a 6-3 decision that President Donald Trump cannot unilaterally impose tariffs on multiple trading partners, marking a significant defeat for his administration's trade policies. The court's decision, which aligns with textualist and originalist interpretations of federal authority, underscores the constitutional limits on executive power. Despite the ruling going against Trump, political analysts suggest it may not significantly harm him politically and could even bolster his conservative base. The case centered on Trump's attempt to impose tariffs without congressional approval, a move that was challenged by several states and business groups. The court's majority opinion, written by Justice Neil Gorsuch, argued that the Constitution grants Congress, not the president, the authority to regulate foreign commerce. This decision reaffirms long-standing principles of constitutional law and checks against executive overreach, resonating with conservative legal circles. Interestingly, Trump's political strategy has often been to frame losses as wins for his base. In this instance, he portrays the ruling as a victory for American sovereignty and job protection, arguing that the judiciary should not override presidential decisions on trade matters. This narrative could potentially rally support among his loyalists, who view such cases as evidence of ongoing battles against perceived establishment elites. The broader implications of this decision extend beyond Trump's presidency, setting a precedent for future administrations regarding the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches. It also highlights the judiciary's

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Originally published on RealClearPolitics on 2/22/2026