Trump Calls Justices 'Fools,' Unveils 10% Global Tariff After Court Ruling

Feb 22, 2026, 2:19 AM
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Following a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated a significant portion of President Donald Trump's tariff agenda, the president did not hold back his criticism, labeling the justices who voted against him as "fools" and expressing disappointment with their decision. Trump stated that the ruling, which struck down his use of emergency powers to impose tariffs, was a "terrible, defective decision" and insisted he would circumvent it by imposing new levies through alternative legal means.
In a press conference at the White House, Trump announced the signing of an executive order that establishes a 10% global tariff on imports, citing a 1974 law that limits such tariffs to 150 days without congressional approval for extension. When asked about the duration of the tariffs, he remarked, "We have a right to do pretty much what we want to do," highlighting his administration's defiance against the court's ruling.
The Supreme Court's 6-3 decision was a significant blow to Trump's economic agenda, which has heavily relied on tariffs as a cornerstone of his "America First" policy. The ruling is viewed as a limitation on Trump's executive authority, particularly concerning international trade, a domain where he has often bypassed Congress. The court's decision sparked a wave of support among Democrats, with some legislators arguing that the ruling should lead to mechanisms for refunding Americans impacted by the tariffs that Trump implemented previously.
Trump’s rhetoric following the ruling underscored his frustration with the judiciary, as he expressed being "absolutely ashamed" of the justices, including those he nominated, for their failure to uphold his tariff policies. He described their actions as unpatriotic and disloyal to the Constitution, further asserting that the ruling was influenced by foreign interests and political movements, though he provided no evidence to substantiate these claims.
The implications of Trump's new tariff strategy raise concerns about the economic landscape as the midterm elections approach. Analysts predict that the chaos surrounding international trade is likely to continue, especially as public sentiment shifts against tariff policies. Polling data shows that a majority of Americans disapprove of the tariff increases, with a Pew Research survey indicating that 60% of respondents believe Trump has moved too far in imposing these taxes.
Despite the ruling, Trump remains adamant that tariffs are essential for the economic revival he promises. He continues to frame these tariffs as vital for national security and as tools for negotiating better trade deals. However, critics argue that the burden of these tariffs has primarily fallen on US companies and consumers rather than foreign countries as Trump often claims.
As the political landscape evolves, Trump’s tariffs may clash with the Republican Party’s broader interests, especially as some lawmakers express unease about the implications of such tax policies on their constituents. The Supreme Court ruling has prompted calls from within the GOP for a more collaborative approach to trade policy that involves Congress rather than relying solely on executive power, a sentiment echoed by former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who described Trump's approach as "illegal" and a bypass of congressional authority.
In response to the ruling, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent maintained that the court did not rule against Trump's tariffs outright, but rather constrained the use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act for imposing them. Bessent's comments reflect the administration's ongoing commitment to pursue trade policies despite judicial setbacks. The president's new strategy could include additional tariffs on countries deemed to have violated trade agreements, suggesting that his administration may continue to impose economic pressures on international partners, albeit through different legal channels.
As the situation develops, the economic ramifications of Trump's renewed tariff strategy will be closely monitored, particularly how they might influence consumer prices and business operations across the country. With the midterm elections looming, the political fallout from the tariffs and the Supreme Court's decision will likely be a focal point for both Trump and his opponents in the coming months.

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