US Supreme Court strikes down Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs
France 24
by FRANCE24February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The US Supreme Court has ruled to strike down former President Donald Trump’s broad tariffs on imports from China and other countries, marking a significant legal and political defeat for the administration’s trade policies. The 5-4 decision invalidated the tariffs, which were first imposed in 2018 as part of Trump’s “America First” agenda, arguing that they would protect US industries and reduce the trade deficit. However, the court found that the tariffs exceeded the executive branch’s authority, as Congress has exclusive control over taxing and trade laws under the Constitution.
The case, known as *United States v.ansas Corn Growers Association*, challenged the legality of the tariffs imposed without explicit congressional authorization. Legal experts had closely watched the case, as it tested the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches. The Supreme Court’s ruling emphasized that while the president has some authority to adjust tariffs through administrative actions, they cannot override or create new taxes without congressional approval.
The decision is a major blow to Trump’s legacy on trade policy and could have broader implications for future administrations. It sets a precedent limiting the scope of executive power in implementing economic policies, particularly those involving significant financial impacts like tariffs. The ruling also raises questions about the validity of other past and potential future tariff actions by the executive branch.
Internationally, the decision is seen as a rebuke to Trump’s aggressive trade tactics, which often strained relations with key US allies and trading partners. The court’s move could encourage foreign governments to challenge similar measures in international courts or seek negotiations with a more constrained US executive branch.
The case has sparked debates among legal scholars and policymakers about the separation of powers and the future of US trade policy. It underscores the delicate balance between presidential authority and congressional oversight, offering important insights into how economic and political decisions are shaped by constitutional law.
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/20/2026