'US not at war with every nation': Supreme Court's sharp put down in ruling against Trump's illegal tariffs
Times of India
by TOI BUSINESS DESKFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The U.S. Supreme Court delivered a significant blow to former President Donald Trump’s use of tariffs, ruling that his actions exceeded legal authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The court emphasized that the U.S., despite its global influence, is not at war with every nation and cannot unilaterally impose tariffs without clear congressional authorization. In a 6–3 decision authored by Chief Justice John Roberts, the justices struck down Trump’s broad use of tariffs as a tool to regulate trade relations worldwide. The ruling highlights the limitations on presidential power in shaping international trade policies.
Trump had relied heavily on tariffs during his presidency, using them to exert influence over global trade dynamics. By invoking IEEPA, he imposed sweeping tariffs on goods from various countries, including China and European nations. However, the Supreme Court found this approach unconstitutional, as it effectively granted Trump unlimited authority to set tariffs without proper congressional oversight. The court’s decision underscores the importance of adhering to the separation of powers enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.
The ruling has far-reaching implications for international trade relations and the global economy. While the justices did not address the fate of the $130 billion in tariffs already collected, their
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/20/2026