Trump ends some tariffs, imposes new 10% global one
Deutsche Welle
February 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
US President Donald Trump has ended certain tariffs deemed illegal by the Supreme Court but swiftly introduced a new 10% global tariff on imports. Following a ruling that found his use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs was unconstitutional, Trump announced the termination of specific duties. However, he bypassed this setback by signing an order imposing a temporary 10% import tax set to take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday. This move marks a significant escalation in Trump’s trade strategy, which has frequently been used as a political tool to pressure foreign nations.
The Supreme Court ruled that the IEEPA does not authorize the president to impose tariffs, a decision backed by legal experts who argue that Congress holds exclusive authority over taxation under the US Constitution. While other presidents have utilized the IEEPA primarily for sanctions, Trump was the first to apply it to import taxes. The court’s majority opinion, led by Chief Justice John Roberts, emphasized that the framers of the Constitution did not grant such powers to the executive branch.
The new 10% tariff is expected to last 150 days and will initially exclude certain food products and minerals already subject to other tariffs. However, it could still have far-reaching implications for global trade relations. Canada and other trading partners are likely to face renewed pressure as Trump continues his unconventional approach to international commerce.
Trump’s defiance of the Supreme Court ruling was evident in his strong reaction. He labeled the justices who opposed him as “unpatriotic” and “disgraceful,” despite having appointed three of them, including Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who sided with him. This backlash highlights the growing tension between Trump’s aggressive trade policies and judicial oversight, underscoring the broader implications for US foreign relations and economic strategy.
The new tariff policy could disrupt global supply chains and spark retaliatory measures from affected nations. As Trump continues to prioritize political leverage over traditional trade diplomacy, observers warn of a more volatile and unpredictable international trade landscape. This shift in US trade policy is likely to shape the future of global commerce and diplomacy for years to come.
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/21/2026