Trump seethes over Supreme Court justices who opposed him on tariffs, especially those he appointed - Associated Press News
AP News
February 20, 2026
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Donald Trump has expressed his frustration over Supreme Court justices who opposed him on tariff-related issues, particularly targeting those he appointed. This rare public display of discontent highlights the growing tension between Trump's policy objectives and the judiciary's role in interpreting and sometimes limiting executive authority. The tariffs in question, which Trump had championed under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, were deemed illegal by a divided court, with justices like Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh joining liberal colleagues to rule against them. This decision marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over the balance of power between the executive branch and the judiciary.
The Supreme Court's ruling on tariffs reflects broader legal and political divides in the U.S. The cases often involve complex international trade agreements, such as those with Canada and Mexico under USMCA, which were affected by Trump's tariff policies. Critics argue that these tariffs disrupted global trade relations and hurt American businesses, while supporters claim they were necessary to protect national security interests. The fact that some of the justices Trump appointed to the court opposed him on this issue underscores the challenges of maintaining judicial independence when political and legal perspectives collide.
This situation also raises questions about the long-term implications for judicial appointments and
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Originally published on AP News on 2/20/2026