TradeAct News & Analysis

Supreme Court Rules Against Trump Tariffs, Impacting Trade Policy

On February 20, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled in Learning Resources Inc. v. Trump that the president does not have the authority to unilaterally impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, stating that the interpretation of specific words could not support such powers. The ruling potentially impacts hundreds of billions in revenue. In response, President Trump invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act to impose global tariffs of 10% on imports for 150 days unless extended by Congress. The U.S. Trade Representative has opened trade investigations into nearly 80 countries under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which could lead to additional tariffs.