Trump Aides Project Confidence on Tariffs After Court Loss

NYT Homepage

by Tony Romm, Alan Rappeport and Ana Swanson

February 22, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The Trump administration is showing confidence in its ability to enforce high tariffs despite a recent Supreme Court ruling that invalidated some of its previous trade measures. Officials maintain that they can replicate the sky-high duties through a new strategy, signaling their determination to continue with punishing tariffs. President Trump announced a 15 percent global tariff on Saturday, aiming to demonstrate resilience against legal challenges and uphold his campaign promises to protect American industries. The administration's new approach relies heavily on Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows for the imposition of tariffs for up to 150 days. This marks a significant shift in how they plan to enforce trade policies, as it provides a more legally durable framework. Additionally, the administration plans to launch investigations under Section 301, targeting unfair trade practices in areas such as forced labor, pharmaceutical pricing, and discrimination against U.S. tech companies. Jamieson Greer, the U.S. trade representative, emphasized that these actions reflect President Trump's long-standing commitment to tariffs and safeguarding American industries. He noted that the policy remains unchanged, with investigations set to begin on issues like industrial excess capacity and trade in seafood and rice. These inquiries will be conducted on an accelerated timeline, potentially leading to new tariffs affecting numerous countries. The administration's renewed focus on trade enforcement underscores its willingness to engage in brinkmanship despite setbacks. By leveraging lesser-known sections of trade law, they aim to maintain their aggressive approach to international trade. This strategy not only reflects Trump's political agenda but also highlights the ongoing tension between domestic protectionism and global economic cooperation. This development is significant because it demonstrates the administration's commitment to reshaping trade policies in a way that aligns with its economic priorities. While legal challenges persist, the administration's use of Section 122 and Section 301 indicates a strategic pivot rather than a retreat. The outcome of these new tariffs and investigations will have far-reaching implications for U.S.-China relations, as well as for other global trade partners. Readers interested in international trade policy and U.S. economic strategy will find this particularly relevant. The administration's actions suggest that despite legal hurdles, they remain dedicated to pursuing a path of high tariffs and protectionism. This approach could shape the future of global trade dynamics, impacting industries worldwide and influencing how other nations respond to American trade policies. In summary, the Trump administration is doubling down on its high-tariff strategy, using new legal tools to bypass recent court losses. By introducing a 15 percent global tariff and expanding investigations into unfair trade practices, they

Verticals

newsgeneral

Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/22/2026