Court Blocks Tariffs, Trump Strikes Back With 15% Tarrifs Increment
- By Thetripurapost Web Desk, Washington
- Feb 21, 2026
- 633
US President Donald Trump has announced an increase in global tariffs from 10% to 15%, revealing the decision in a post on Truth Social on Saturday. The announcement came a day after he had initially declared a 10% tariff on all countries during a press conference on Friday night.
The move follows a significant setback in the Supreme Court of the United States, which, in a 6–3 majority ruling, struck down Trump’s earlier tariff regime. The Court held that the President lacks the authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose sweeping global tariffs, clarifying that such powers constitutionally reside with Congress.
In response, Trump invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, a rarely used provision that permits the President to impose temporary tariffs of up to 15% in the event of serious balance-of-payments deficits or economic emergencies. However, such tariffs may remain in effect for only 150 days unless Congress grants further approval. The new 15% tariff is scheduled to take effect on February 24.
Expressing strong dissatisfaction with the ruling, Trump criticized certain justices, stating that he was “ashamed” of members of the Court and accusing them of lacking the courage to act in the nation’s interest. He also suggested that the legal battle could continue for years. Three justices—Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, and Brett Kavanaugh—dissented, with Kavanaugh asserting that while the policy’s wisdom may be debatable, its legal foundation was defensible, particularly in matters concerning foreign policy and national security.
Trump further asserted that he does not require congressional approval to safeguard American economic interests and maintained that the Court’s ruling did not mandate refunds of previously collected tariffs. He also alleged that external influences may have shaped the Court’s decision.
According to reports, the imposition of a uniform 15% tariff could effectively reduce previously higher reciprocal tariffs imposed on certain trading partners. Nonetheless, exemptions will apply to select goods, including certain agricultural products, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, specific electronic items, and passenger vehicles.
The historical precedent for such action dates back to 1971, when President Richard Nixon imposed a 10% global tariff amid severe trade imbalances and pressure on the U.S. dollar. That episode eventually contributed to the enactment of the Trade Act of 1974, which grants the President limited emergency tariff authority under Section 122. Notably, this provision has never previously been invoked, leaving its judicial interpretation uncertain if challenged again.
Importantly, the Court’s ruling does not invalidate all of Trump’s tariffs. Measures on steel and aluminum, enacted under separate statutory authorities, remain intact. However, two major categories have been struck down: reciprocal tariffs, including a 34% baseline tariff on China and 10% on other nations, and a 25% tariff imposed on certain goods from Canada, China, and Mexico in connection with fentanyl-related enforcement concerns.
The unfolding legal and political battle now sets the stage for a protracted confrontation over the limits of presidential authority in trade policy.