U.S. Supreme Court's decision on Trump's tariffs may not rock crypto — yet

CoinDesk

by Jesse Hamilton

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The U.S. Supreme Court's rejection of President Donald Trump's use of tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) has significant political implications, even if its direct impact on the cryptocurrency industry remains limited for now. While the markets have largely remained stable in response to the ruling, the decision could divert attention from critical legislative efforts, including the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, which aims to regulate the U.S. crypto market structure. The court's 6-3 ruling effectively halted Trump's aggressive tariff strategy but left open other avenues for him to impose trade restrictions under different legal authorities. The political fallout from the decision is already evident, with Republican and Democratic lawmakers taking opposing stances. Senator Bernie Moreno, a staunch Trump supporter and crypto advocate, criticized the ruling as a setback in the fight against unfair trade practices that have harmed American workers. On the other hand, Senator Elizabeth Warren, a leading Democrat on the Senate Banking Committee, celebrated the court's decision but noted that it does little to address the ongoing harm caused by the tariffs. She highlighted the financial burden placed on consumers and small businesses, pointing out that corporations with legal resources are better positioned to recover tariff refunds, further exacerbating inequalities in the system. The ruling is expected to dominate political discussions ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, potentially influencing the outcome of key races. If Democrats secure a majority in Congress, they could make it more difficult for crypto-friendly policies to advance, including the passage of the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act. The delay in addressing critical crypto legislation due to this political distraction underscores the broader challenges facing the industry as it seeks regulatory clarity and stability. The outcome of these elections will play a pivotal role in determining the future trajectory of U.S. cryptocurrency policy, making the coming months a crucial period for

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Originally published on CoinDesk on 2/20/2026