Trump Imposes New Tariffs to Sidestep Supreme Court Ruling

Wired

by Zeyi Yang

February 21, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

President Trump has signed an executive order imposing new 10 percent tariffs on nearly all imports to the United States following a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated his previous trade policies. The tariffs, set to take effect on February 24, 2026, include several exceptions for critical minerals, beef, fruits, pharmaceuticals, and products from Canada or Mexico. Trump expressed frustration with the court's decision, personally attacking the justices who voted against him, while also defending his newly nominated judges, Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett, despite their role in the ruling. The new trade policy is based on Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows the president to impose tariffs up to 15 percent for 150 days if there are significant trade deficits. This statute has never been used in this manner before, and Trump could potentially extend or replace these tariffs within that timeframe. Legal experts suggest that the administration might shift to other tariff mechanisms, such as Section 301 or 232, which focus on national security or unfair trade practices, requiring longer processes but offering broader authority. The de minimis exemption, which exempts small packages under $800 from tariffs, remains suspended despite the Supreme Court ruling. This decision has led to significant delays and processing backlogs at US borders. Trump did not clarify how companies seeking tariff refunds would proceed, as the court's decision left this issue unresolved. Experts predict a lengthy and complicated process for businesses to claim refunds, potentially lasting several years. This move highlights Trump's broader strategy of leveraging executive powers to bypass judicial restrictions on his trade policies. While he claims these measures protect American industries from foreign competition, critics argue they could disrupt global supply chains and harm US companies relying on imported materials. For tech and science readers, this underscores the potential impact on industries reliant on international trade for components and innovation, raising concerns about cost increases and market access. The tariffs

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Originally published on Wired on 2/21/2026