The Supreme Court just blew up Trump’s foreign policy

Vox

February 20, 2026

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The Supreme Court recently invalidated many of President Donald Trump’s tariffs, significantly limiting his ability to use them as a tool of economic coercion in foreign policy. The court’s decision effectively neutralizes tariffs as a geoeconomic weapon, according to Edward Fishman of the Council on Foreign Relations. Trump had relied heavily on tariffs to pressure allies and adversaries alike, using them for purposes far beyond traditional trade imbalances—such as addressing migration policies, isolating enemies, and even personal ideological disputes. During his presidency, Trump imposed or threatened tariffs on numerous countries over a wide range of issues. These included tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China for fentanyl trafficking; penalties on India for purchasing Russian oil; and threats against European nations opposing his Greenland acquisition plans. The tariffs were often justified under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which allowed broad economic sanctions but has now been significantly curtailed by the court’s ruling. In response, Trump is turning to alternative legal frameworks like the Trade Act of 1974, particularly Sections 122 and 301. However, these sections impose stricter limits on tariff use, capping them at 15% and requiring lengthy congressional approval processes. This shift reduces the flexibility and immediate impact of tariffs as a coercive tool, making it harder for Trump to quickly respond to international crises or leverage trade threats. While the court’s decision does not restrict Trump’s ability to impose sanctions under IEEPA, which remains intact, it signals a potential shift in how future administrations may approach economic warfare. Countries may feel emboldened to challenge U.S. policies without fear of severe tariff-based retaliation, potentially leading to a more unpredictable international landscape. This ruling highlights the complex interplay between legal frameworks and foreign policy tools like tariffs and sanctions. As Trump adapts to these limitations, the focus will likely shift back to traditional forms of economic diplomacy, raising

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Originally published on Vox on 2/20/2026