Trump Lashes Out at Supreme Court as Under ‘Foreign Influence’
RealClearPolitics
by Philip Wegmann, RCPFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
President Trump delivered a sharp rebuke to the Supreme Court following its 6-3 ruling against his global tariffs, which he claimed were unconstitutional. During a Friday news conference with RealClearPolitics, Trump accused the justices of being unduly influenced by foreign interests, calling them "sleazeballs" and "slimeballs." He suggested that foreign representatives have undue influence over the court through fear, respect, or friendship. The ruling marked a significant setback for Trump's economic agenda, as tariffs had been a central component of his trade policy.
The majority opinion found that Trump exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) by unilaterally imposing sweeping reciprocal tariffs. While three justices—Neil Gorsuch, Samuel Alito, and Brett Kavanaugh—dissented, Trump praised their dissent as "strong" and expressed respect for their decision to side with him. The administration plans to use this minority opinion to rebuild its tariff strategy, exploring alternative legal avenues such as a 10% global tariff and Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1972.
Trump's personal attacks on the court, including his criticism of Justices Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett—whom he himself nominated—stand out as highly unusual. He called them "an embarrassment to their families" and accused the six justices who ruled against him of being "unpatriotic" and "disloyal to our Constitution." Despite these attacks, Trump stopped short of regretting their nominations.
This episode highlights the growing tensions between the executive branch and the judiciary under Trump's presidency. While conservatives view the court's conservative majority as a victory, Trump's unprecedented criticism raises questions about judicial independence. The ruling also underscores the ongoing debate over the limits of presidential authority and the constitutionality of trade policies. As Trump prepares for his State of the Union address, this clash between the branches of government will likely remain a focal point in political discourse.
The situation also reflects Trump's broader strategy to reshape the judiciary with like-minded appointees, a goal that has been a hallmark of his first term. However, the backlash from the Supreme Court ruling may have unintended consequences, potentially influencing how justices approach future cases or consider retirements during Trump's second term. The outcome of this legal and political battle will be closely watched by those
Verticals
politicsnews
Originally published on RealClearPolitics on 2/20/2026