US Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump’s Global Tariffs

Feb 21, 2026 - US President Donald Trump received a major setback from the US Supreme Court on Friday (February 20) after it ruled that the President does not have the legal authority to unilaterally impose broad tariffs. In a 6-3 ruling, the Court said that a 1977 law Trump has relied on to slap sudden duties on different countries “does not authorise the President to impose tariffs” and that power rests with Congress.

Under the Constitution, the President must obtain explicit authorisation from Congress to exercise such powers.

US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts said the President had gone beyond his legal powers and clearly stated that the global tariffs imposed by Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) were unlawful. Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Brett Kavanaugh dissented.

Following this, there is expected to be relief for India and all those countries hit with reciprocal tariffs by Trump. Indian Union Cabinet Minister Pralhad Joshi said that the government will have to study the Court ruling and how it will impact India.

Trump, meanwhile, said “nothing changes” and that India will continue to pay the 18% tariffs despite the Court ruling. He also on Friday signed an executive order of 10% global tariff on foreign goods. Announcing this on his social media platform, he wrote, ““It is my Great Honor to have just signed, from the Oval Office, a Global 10% Tariff on all Countries, which will be effective almost immediately. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” 

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