Trump says he’ll raise tariffs to 15 percent after Supreme Court ruling - AP News
AP News
February 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
President Trump has announced plans to increase tariffs to 15 percent following a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated part of his previous trade measures. This decision comes after the court’s determination that Trump overstepped his authority in imposing higher tariffs without proper legal justification. The move marks a significant shift in the administration’s trade policy, which had previously seen tariffs set at 25 percent on certain goods.
The Supreme Court ruling focused on a legal challenge to Trump’s 2019 decision to raise tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada, Mexico, and the European Union. The court found that the tariffs exceeded the president’s constitutional powers under the National Emergencies Act of 1976. This ruling has thrown into question the legality of Trump’s broader trade policies, particularly those targeting China.
In response to the court’s decision, Trump stated his intention to raise tariffs to 15 percent on imports from countries like China and others affected by the ruling. He emphasized that this action aligns with U.S. economic and national security interests. The new tariff structure will apply to both existing trade agreements and future negotiations.
This development is significant as it underscores ongoing tensions in international trade relations, particularly between the United States and China. Critics argue that raising tariffs could lead to increased costs for businesses and consumers, potentially sparking further disputes with trading partners. Meanwhile, supporters of Trump’s approach view it as a necessary step to protect U.S. industries and jobs.
The implications of this decision extend beyond trade
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Originally published on AP News on 2/21/2026