Trump Bashes ‘Disloyal’ Supreme Court for Not Letting Him Defy Constitution

Rolling Stone

by nikkimccannramirez

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

President Donald Trump criticized the Supreme Court for being "disloyal" after the court ruled against his authority to unilaterally impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). In a press conference, Trump accused justices of being swayed by foreign interests and called their decision "a disgrace." He praised dissenting Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Brett Kavanaugh for their "strength" and "wisdom," while dismissing the majority opinion as flawed. Despite the court's ruling, Trump vowed to continue his tariff policies and even announced plans to impose additional tariffs. The court's 6-3 decision found that Trump had exceeded his powers under IEEPA, which allows presidents to regulate international trade during declared national emergencies. Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Neil Gorsuch highlighted that Congress, not the president, holds the authority to impose taxes and tariffs. Trump dismissed these arguments, claiming he was confident the court would side with him and that without tariffs, the U.S. economy would collapse. Trump's reaction reflects his ongoing struggle with the judiciary, as he has repeatedly demanded judicial backing for his tariff policies. His frustration was evident in private remarks, where he referred to "these fucking courts" and expressed fear of economic collapse if the court ruled against him. Despite these concerns, the Commerce Department reported a slowdown in U.S. GDP growth, suggesting that Trump's tariff policies may be contributing to economic challenges. This clash between the executive branch and the judiciary highlights broader tensions over separation of powers and Trump's view of the courts as either supportive or disloyal. From a cultural perspective, it underscores how Trump's rhetoric and actions shape public perception of the justice system. His belief

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Originally published on Rolling Stone on 2/20/2026