New York Lawmakers React to Supreme Court Ruling on Trump Tariffs

Feb 22, 2026, 2:16 AM
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New York lawmakers have reacted strongly to the Supreme Court's recent ruling that invalidated President Donald Trump's sweeping emergency tariffs. The Court's 6-3 decision determined that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not grant the president the authority to impose tariffs on various nations without congressional approval.
Queens Rep. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, expressed his satisfaction with the ruling, which he believes aligns with the Democratic stance that the president cannot unilaterally impose tariffs. He highlighted that the decision prevents Trump from executing tariffs in an "arbitrary and capricious way.".
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also hailed the ruling as a significant victory for American families, stating that Trump's attempt to govern by decree had been thwarted. Schumer emphasized the financial relief the decision brings, asserting, "Trump's illegal tariff tax just collapsed.".
Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries joined in the praise, labeling the Supreme Court's decision as a substantial win for the American people and a decisive defeat for Trump. He urged the president to avoid further unilateral actions concerning tariffs.
In response to the ruling, President Trump announced plans to impose a new 10% global tariff under a different legal framework, specifically Section 122, which allows for a broader scope of tariffs but comes with stricter limitations. This move has drawn criticism from lawmakers who see it as a continued disregard for the checks and balances established by Congress.
Republican lawmakers in New York have offered mixed reactions to the Supreme Court decision. Mike Lawler praised the ruling as a reinforcement of the system of checks and balances. He reiterated his support for fair trade practices that protect American workers while also expressing a desire to collaborate with the White House moving forward.
Meanwhile, some Republican leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Sen. John Thune, have vowed to continue pushing for tariff strategies that they believe benefit the US economy. Johnson argued that Trump's tariffs had generated significant revenue and leverage for America's trade negotiations.
Rand Paul voiced his support for the Supreme Court's decision, stating that it safeguards against the misuse of emergency powers for taxation. He expressed concern that such powers could be wielded by future administrations to impose policies detrimental to the country.
As the political landscape around tariffs continues to evolve, Meeks has indicated that he will scrutinize Trump's new tariffs and is considering additional legislation to counter them. The ongoing debate reflects broader tensions over trade policies and presidential authority, highlighting the complexities of US economic governance.
This ruling marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing discussion of tariffs, trade agreements, and the balance of power between Congress and the presidency, with lawmakers from both parties actively engaging in the dialogue.

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