With his tariff plan in tatters, Trump vows ‘to do absolutely terrible things to foreign countries… in a much more powerful and obnoxious way’

Fortune

by Jim Edwards

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled that President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs were illegal, temporarily setting trade rates to zero. In response, Trump vowed to impose new, higher tariffs on foreign countries, creating significant uncertainty in global markets. This unpredictability, combined with a spike in the VIX “fear index,” led to market volatility, with the S&P 500 dropping over 1% and futures showing signs of stabilization but ongoing nervousness. The situation has left U.S. trade partners confused and frustrated. Countries that previously negotiated lower tariffs are now facing potential increases, while those who opposed higher tariffs may see reduced rates. This chaos has caused frustration among foreign nations and businesses, with some comparing the uncertainty to the challenges of dealing with war. Trump’s threats on social media have further exacerbated tensions, as he vowed to target countries he perceives as having taken advantage of the U.S. Additionally, a speculative blog post about AI-driven job losses contributed to market jitters. While software stocks declined due to fears about economic instability, analysts pointed out that such hypotheticals may reflect broader investor anxiety rather than concrete threats. The combination of real tariff-related uncertainty and fictional scenarios has highlighted how fragile and sensitive global markets have become. For businesses, this situation underscores the risks of relying on unpredictable trade policies and the potential for sudden market shifts. With Trump’s promise to act in “a much more powerful and obnoxious way,” foreign trade partners and investors alike are bracing for further instability. The legal challenges surrounding tariffs add another layer of complexity, raising questions about their enforceability and long-term impact on international relations. Ultimately, this

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Originally published on Fortune on 2/24/2026