Trump tariffs live: US president slams Supreme Court, vows more tariffs
Al Jazeera
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
US President Donald Trump has responded strongly to a Supreme Court ruling that found his tariffs exceeded presidential authority. The court’s decision invalidated Trump’s broad imposition of 10% tariffs on countries worldwide, which he had justified as part of addressing national emergencies. In a press conference following the ruling, Trump called the justices “disloyal” and vowed to impose an even stronger set of tariffs immediately. He emphasized that this new round would target specific industries and regions, signaling a continued aggressive approach to trade policy.
The legal battle over Trump’s tariffs has been ongoing for months. The Supreme Court ruled that the law Trump cited for enacting the tariffs was intended solely for national emergencies, not for broad economic or trade purposes. This decision undermines Trump’s authority to unilaterally impose tariffs without congressional approval. Trump had argued that such action was necessary to protect US industries and secure international trade advantages. However, critics argue that his tariff strategy has caused widespread confusion among allies and adversaries alike.
Trump’s response to the ruling reflects his broader approach to trade and diplomacy during his presidency. He has consistently prioritized unilateral actions over multilateral agreements, often clashing with traditional US partners. The new tariffs he plans to impose aim to “level the playing field” in international trade, according to administration officials. However, this move could further escalate tensions with key trading partners like China and the European Union, who have already expressed concerns about the impact of Trump’s policies on global markets.
The significance of this ruling lies in its potential to reshape US trade policy moving forward. By limiting presidential authority to impose tariffs without congressional oversight, the Supreme Court has set a precedent that could constrain future administrations from taking similar actions. This decision also highlights the ongoing power struggle between the executive branch and the judiciary under Trump’s leadership. As the US continues to navigate complex international trade relations, this ruling could have far-reaching implications for both domestic policy and global economic dynamics.
For readers interested in world affairs and politics, this development underscores the unpredictable nature of US trade policy under Trump and its potential impact on international relations. The interplay between the executive branch and the judiciary adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile situation. As Trump pushes forward with his new tariffs, it remains to be seen how this
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/20/2026