February 20, 2026 — Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that President Trump’s tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) were unlawful, determining that IEEPA does not authorize the president to impose tariffs.
Chief Justice John Roberts authored the majority opinion in the consolidated cases Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump (No. 24-1287) and Trump v. V.O.S. Selections (No. 25-250), stressing Congress’s exclusive Article I taxing power and the absence of historical precedent for using IEEPA in this manner.
The decision represented the first major Supreme Court loss for the Trump administration on its tariff policies, according to CNN coverage, raising questions about potential refunds exceeding $130 billion. The Tax Foundation estimated that more than $160 billion in tariffs were affected by the ruling.
U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C. (File photo from supremecourt.gov)
Media outlets highlighted the ruling’s implications for presidential authority. The Wall Street Journal described it as striking down “Trump’s global tariffs” amid concerns of executive overreach. Reuters noted the court’s reassertion of judicial power, while NBC News reported that some tariffs remain unaffected.
In response, President Trump announced new 10-15% tariffs under other statutory authorities, including potentially Section 122, as covered in New York Times live updates. Markets reacted calmly, with stocks rising, per AP News.
Supreme Court strikes down tariffs. More coming from SCOTUSblog.
— SCOTUSblog (@SCOTUSblog) February 20, 2026
The ruling drew analysis on sector-specific impacts. The Nebraska Farm Bureau discussed effects on agriculture, while CNBC examined potential fallout for global trade and the U.S. economy. SCOTUSblog’s February 23 newsletter referenced the decision alongside upcoming court activity.
