In a landmark decision on February 20, 2026, the US Supreme Court delivered a 6-3 ruling against President Donald Trump's controversial tariff program, declaring it an unconstitutional overreach of executive power. The Learning Resources Inc. v. Trump case centered on $160 billion in duties imposed through emergency declarations under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
Chief Justice John Roberts emphasized in the majority opinion that "the framers did not vest any part of the taxing power in the executive branch," reaffirming Congress' sole authority over trade-related taxation. The ruling invalidates a cornerstone of Trump's second-term economic agenda that had drawn sharp criticism from trading partners worldwide.
President Trump denounced the decision as "a disgrace" in an immediate response, targeting specific justices appointed during his administration. The administration now seeks to revive tariffs through Section 122 of the Trade Act, though legal analysts note this mechanism provides only temporary authority lasting 150 days without congressional approval.
This constitutional clash comes amid growing international scrutiny of US trade practices. Asian markets showed immediate volatility following the announcement, with analysts warning of prolonged uncertainty for global supply chains. The ruling sets a critical precedent limiting future presidents' ability to bypass legislative processes for economic policy implementation.
