WASHINGTON — Former President Donald Trump has announced plans to increase tariffs on all U.S. Imports by 5 percentage points, raising the rate to 15% if re-elected. The move comes just days after the Supreme Court struck down his previous attempt at sweeping global tariffs, a significant legal defeat for the former president. Trump revealed his intention during a press briefing on Friday, February 20, 2026, vowing to implement the recent tariffs through Section 122 of federal law, a provision he believes will circumvent the constraints imposed by the court’s ruling.
The Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision on February 20th invalidated tariffs imposed by Trump that were not specifically authorized by Congress. The court ruled that the tariffs exceeded the president’s authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), a 1977 law intended to address national emergencies stemming from foreign threats. SCOTUSblog reported that the ruling does not address the question of refunds for the more than $200 billion in tariffs already paid by importers as of 2025.
A New Avenue for Tariffs
Undeterred by the court’s decision, Trump stated he will sign an executive order to impose the 10% global tariff under Section 122. He similarly indicated he is exploring other avenues for implementing additional tariffs, signaling a continued commitment to protectionist trade policies. This latest move represents a significant escalation in his trade rhetoric and a direct response to the Supreme Court’s rebuke. The former president reportedly expressed his displeasure with the court’s decision, calling it “deeply disappointing” and stating he was “absolutely ashamed” of the justices who voted against him, according to the Associated Press.
The proposed 15% tariff would apply to goods imported from all countries, potentially impacting a wide range of industries and consumers. While Trump framed the tariffs as a means to protect American jobs and industries, economists warn of potential negative consequences, including higher prices for consumers and disruptions to global supply chains. The impact on international trade relations remains uncertain, but the announcement has already sparked concern among trading partners.
The IEEPA Ruling and its Implications
The core of the Supreme Court’s ruling centered on the scope of presidential power under IEEPA. The majority opinion argued that the law does not grant the president unlimited authority to impose tariffs unilaterally. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, in his dissenting opinion, cautioned that the decision could create uncertainty regarding existing trade agreements and potentially require the government to issue substantial refunds to importers. He noted that IEEPA tariffs have “helped facilitate trade deals worth trillions of dollars,” and the court’s decision could complicate those arrangements.
The case originated from challenges brought by various importers who argued that Trump’s tariffs were unlawful. One such importer, a tiny wine business, as reported by CNN, risked his business to challenge the tariffs, highlighting the broad impact of the policy on even small businesses.
What’s Next?
The immediate future hinges on the specifics of the executive order Trump intends to sign. Legal experts are already debating whether the Section 122 authority provides a sufficient legal basis for the proposed tariffs, and further legal challenges are widely anticipated. eNCA reports that the ruling throws U.S. Trade policy back into uncertainty. The Biden administration has not yet commented on the proposed tariffs, but is expected to weigh in once the details of the executive order are released.
The potential for retaliatory tariffs from other countries also looms large. A trade war could escalate quickly, further disrupting global commerce and potentially harming the U.S. Economy. The situation is further complicated by divisions within the Supreme Court itself, as noted by The New York Times, which could signal further challenges to Trump’s agenda in the future.
The next key development will be the release and legal scrutiny of Trump’s executive order. Importers and trading partners will be closely watching for details on the scope and implementation of the new tariffs. The legal battle over presidential trade authority is far from over, and the future of U.S. Trade policy remains highly uncertain.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
If you or someone you know is struggling with the economic anxieties related to trade policy changes, resources are available. You can find information and support through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.
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