Who is Neal Katyal? Indian-American lawyer at center of Trump's biggest legal setback
Times of India
by TOI WORLD DESKFebruary 21, 2026
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Neal Katyal, an Indian-American lawyer and former Acting US Solicitor General, played a pivotal role in the landmark US Supreme Court case that invalidated President Donald Trump’s global tariffs. Representing small businesses, Katyal celebrated the decision as a victory for constitutional principles, emphasizing that Congress holds the authority to tax, not the executive branch. The 6-3 ruling struck down Trump’s tariffs imposed under emergency powers, marking a significant defeat for his economic agenda and reinforcing constitutional limits on presidential power.
Katyal, 55, is one of America's leading Supreme Court litigators with a distinguished career. He successfully argued Moore v. Harper in 2023, challenging the "independent state legislature" theory that would have granted unchecked authority to state legislatures over federal elections. During the Obama administration, he championed the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act and served as Special Prosecutor in the George Floyd case. His legal expertise also includes national security law and executive power, areas where he has long been a权威 figure.
Born to Indian immigrant parents, Katyal’s journey reflects the growing influence of Indian-Americans in US legal circles. A graduate of Dartmouth College and Yale Law School, he studied under renowned constitutional scholar Akhil Amar. His sister, Sonia Katyal, is also a noted law professor. Currently, Katyal teaches national security law at Georgetown University Law Center and practices at Milbank LLP, where his work continues to shape key legal and policy debates.
The Supreme Court’s decision on Trump’s tariffs underscores the enduring importance of constitutional checks and balances in US governance. By striking down the tariffs,
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/21/2026