Trump lashes out at justices, announces new 10% global tariff - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Ana Ceballos, Gavin J. Quinton

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

President Trump has responded defiantly to a Supreme Court ruling that struck down part of his tariffs agenda, calling the justices "fools" and vowing to circumvent their decision by imposing new 10% global tariffs under a 1974 law. The move allows the tariffs to remain in place for only 150 days, after which congressional approval would be required for an extension. Trump emphasized that the ruling was a temporary setback and promised to continue fighting to retain his trade authority. The decision has significant political implications as Trump’s tariff policies have been central to his economic and political strategy. He has long argued that tariffs make the U.S. wealthier and give his administration leverage in negotiations, though critics argue the burden has fallen heavily on American companies and consumers. The ruling comes at a critical time, with the November elections approaching and Republicans urging Trump to focus on an economic message to maintain control of Congress. Democrats have celebrated the court’s decision, with some calling for mechanisms to reimburse Americans for losses caused by Trump’s trade policies. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the president’s approach, stating that the ruling only limited Trump’s ability to impose tariffs under a specific law and did not invalidate his broader authority. The ruling has scrambled Trump’s narrative ahead of the election, as it highlights growing fractures among Republicans and rising concerns over the economy. Despite the setback, Trump remains committed to his trade agenda, doubling down on his "America First" approach and dismissing criticism from opponents as politically motivated attacks. This issue matters deeply to readers interested in news because it underscores the ongoing tensions between the executive branch and the judiciary, as well as the broader debate over trade policy’s impact on the economy. The ruling also highlights the political stakes of the court’s decisions in an election year, where economic concerns are paramount for voters.

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/20/2026