Wednesday briefing: Is the tide turning against Trump on tariffs?

The Guardian World

by Aamna Mohdin

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The U.S. Supreme Court delivered a significant blow to President Donald Trump's tariff policies, ruling that he had unlawfully used executive powers to impose sweeping global tariffs. The court found that the 1977 law Trump relied on did not grant him the authority to implement tariffs on such a broad scale. This decision undermines one of Trump's key economic and geopolitical strategies and raises questions about the legality of his trade policies. Trump had argued that the 1977 Tariff Act allowed him to impose tariffs without congressional approval, but the Supreme Court disagreed. The ruling highlights the limitations of executive power and could have far-reaching implications for future presidential actions. This decision comes at a critical time for Trump, as he faces midterm elections and growing public skepticism about his policies. The court's decision has already sparked reactions from across the political spectrum. Critics argue that Trump's tariff plans were not only unlawful but also counterproductive, hurting American businesses and consumers. Allies of Trump, however, are likely to push back against the ruling, framing it as an overreach by the judiciary branch into executive authority. This case sets a precedent for future presidents, clarifying the boundaries of executive power in matters of trade and tariffs. It also raises broader questions about the balance of power between the executive and judicial branches. As Trump navigates this legal

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/25/2026