These Republicans Break With Trump In Praising Supreme Court Ruling Striking Down His Tariffs

Forbes Business

by Sara Dorn, Forbes Staff

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The Supreme Court's recent decision striking down former President Donald Trump's tariffs has drawn unexpected praise from several Republican lawmakers. These politicians broke ranks with Trump to commend the court's ruling, which they argue defends constitutional principles by upholding the separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches. The decision, they say, ensures that Congress retains its authority to regulate international trade, a power often contested in modern politics. The case centered on tariffs imposed by Trump during his presidency, which were challenged by U.S. companies and several states, including South Carolina and Texas. These states argued that the tariffs violated constitutional checks and balances by circumventing congressional approval. The Supreme Court agreed, ruling that the executive branch overstepped its authority by imposing tariffs without proper legislative oversight. This decision has been widely seen as a rebuke to Trump's broader approach to governance, particularly his tendency to centralize power. For businesses, this ruling could have significant implications. By reaffirming Congress's role in trade policy, the court's decision may reduce the likelihood of future unilateral executive actions that could disrupt global commerce. This outcome is particularly relevant for industries reliant on international trade, as it suggests a return to more traditional governance norms that prioritize collective decision-making over presidential fiat. The ruling also serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between executive authority and legislative oversight in a functioning democracy.

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Originally published on Forbes Business on 2/20/2026