LIVE: Trump speaks after Supreme Court rules against his tariffs

| News | February 20, 2026 | 16.8 Thousand views | 1:33:09

TL;DR

President Trump condemned the Supreme Court's decision blocking his AIPA emergency tariffs as "deeply disappointing" while praising dissenting conservative justices, but announced he would immediately impose a 10% global tariff using alternative legal authorities under Section 122 and maintain existing Section 232 and 301 tariffs.

⚖️ Supreme Court Ruling Response 3 insights

Trump condemns tariff ruling as "deeply disappointing"

Trump expressed shame toward certain justices, claiming the ruling protects foreign countries over the U.S. and was swayed by political pressure and "foreign interests."

Praises dissenters Thomas, Alito, and Kavanaugh

He specifically thanked the three dissenting justices for their "strength and wisdom" and quoted Kavanaugh's opinion suggesting the decision might not substantially constrain future presidential tariff powers.

Accuses Democratic justices of automatic opposition

Trump alleged Democratic-appointed justices are an "automatic no" on anything that strengthens America and act as "lap dogs for the radical left."

📜 Alternative Legal Authorities 3 insights

Identifies stronger statutes to replace AIPA

Trump cited the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (Section 232), Trade Act of 1974 (Sections 122, 301), and Tariff Act of 1930 (Section 338) as alternative authorities confirmed by the ruling.

Claims ruling affirmed licensing but prohibited fees

He noted the court affirmed his right to embargo and license trade under AIPA but paradoxically prohibited charging even $1 in tariffs under that specific statute.

Alternative methods could generate greater revenue

Trump argued these other statutes provide "even stronger" trade regulation tools than the AIPA authority and could produce "far greater" tariff income.

💰 New Tariff Actions 4 insights

Orders immediate 10% global tariff under Section 122

Effective immediately, Trump announced a 10% global tariff under Section 122 applied "over and above" existing duties already being charged.

Existing Section 232 and 301 tariffs remain

All national security tariffs under Section 232 and existing Section 301 tariffs will remain in "full force and effect" despite the Supreme Court decision.

Launches new Section 301 investigations

The administration is initiating several new Section 301 investigations to address unfair trading practices by foreign countries and companies.

Cites economic and security achievements

Trump claimed credit for the Dow reaching 50,000 and S&P hitting 7,000, stating tariffs helped settle eight wars including India-Pakistan and reduced fentanyl by 30%.

Bottom Line

Despite the Supreme Court blocking his AIPA emergency tariffs, Trump will immediately implement a 10% global tariff under Section 122 and maintain all existing tariffs under Sections 232 and 301, using alternative statutes that he claims provide even stronger authority than what the court rejected.

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