Trump: Supreme Court’s rejection of tariffs ‘deeply disappointing’
Al Jazeera
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
U.S. President Trump expressed strong disappointment after the Supreme Court ruled against his 2025 tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, calling the justices a “disgrace.” In a 6-3 decision, the court found that Trump had overstepped his authority by relying on a law originally intended for national emergencies to impose the tariffs. This ruling marks a significant setback for Trump’s trade policies and raises questions about presidential power in matters of international commerce.
The tariffs, which were imposed in 2025, targeted imports from several countries, including China and Mexico, under the assertion that they threatened U.S. national security. However, opponents argued that the tariffs exceeded presidential authority and should have been authorized by Congress. The Supreme Court agreed, stating that the law Trump cited was not meant to be used in this context. This decision could set a precedent for future trade policies, potentially limiting the president’s ability to act unilaterally on international trade matters.
The ruling has significant implications for U.S. trade relations and underscores the ongoing tensions between the executive branch and the judiciary over the scope of presidential authority. While Trump has previously clashed with the Supreme Court on other issues, this decision is seen as particularly damaging to his agenda, as it undermines one of his key tools for addressing international trade concerns. The outcome also highlights the importance of Congress in shaping U.S.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/20/2026