Trump tariffs: Supreme Court strikes down president's global tariffs - Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
by David G. SavageFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Supreme Court ruled Friday that President Trump’s extensive global tariffs are illegal unless Congress explicitly authorizes them. In a 6-3 decision, the justices found that the president overstepped his constitutional authority by claiming the power to impose tariffs unilaterally. The court’s majority, including two of Trump’s appointees, concluded that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not grant the president such broad authority. This marks Trump’s most significant defeat at the Supreme Court.
The case centered on *Learning Resources vs. Trump*, which challenged Trump’s 2018 tariffs on imported steel and aluminum under the guise of national security. The court found that Congress, not the executive branch, holds the constitutional power to levy taxes and tariffs. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., writing for the majority, emphasized that the president cannot claim unlimited authority to impose tariffs without clear congressional approval. He noted that no previous president had interpreted IEEPA as granting such sweeping powers.
The decision has far-reaching implications for trade policy and constitutional law. Critics argue that Trump’s tariffs harmed U.S. businesses and consumers by raising costs on imported parts, leading to job losses in manufacturing. The ruling could also pave the
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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/20/2026