Trump calls Supreme Court justices who struck down his tariffs a ‘disgrace to our nation’ and vows fresh duties under other laws

Fortune

by Jason Ma

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

President Donald Trump expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Supreme Court's ruling that declared his global tariffs unconstitutional under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). He criticized six justices who voted against the tariffs, calling their decision a "disgrace to our nation" and accusing them of being influenced by foreign interests without providing evidence. Trump praised Justices Thomas, Alito, and Kavanaugh for their support, while launching harsher remarks at the others. In response to the ruling, Trump announced plans to impose new tariffs under different legal authorities, such as Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act, which allows up to 15% tariffs for 150 days. He also mentioned using Section 301 powers to investigate unfair trade practices, potentially leading to higher tariffs on countries like China and India. These measures could result in higher rates than before, targeting nations that have historically traded unfairly with the U.S. The situation sets a precedent for ongoing legal challenges to Trump's trade policies, which have been central to his economic strategy. His approach has significantly impacted international relations, as seen in deals with countries like India, which will continue under different tariff laws despite the IEEPA ruling. This development is crucial for businesses, as it highlights the potential for fluctuating trade policies and tariffs. The administration's ability to circumvent the Supreme Court's decision could lead to increased costs for importers and exporters, affecting global supply chains and market stability. Businesses must closely monitor these

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Originally published on Fortune on 2/20/2026