In a dramatic response to a recent Supreme Court ruling that challenged his authority, President Donald Trump has announced a hike in tariffs on all imports to the United States, raising the rate from 10% to 15%. This decision, made on Saturday 21 February 2026, follows the court’s unanimous verdict that the president had overstepped his bounds by imposing tariffs without congressional approval. In a scathing missive directed at the judiciary, Trump characterised the justices as a “disgrace to the nation.”
The Supreme Court’s Ruling and Trump’s Reaction
On 20 February 2026, the Supreme Court delivered a ruling that struck down Trump’s previous tariff initiative, which had been enacted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The court asserted that the president’s actions required express consent from Congress, a rebuke that has further intensified Trump’s confrontational approach to trade policy.
In the wake of this judgement, Trump took to Truth Social to announce the immediate implementation of a new 15% tariff on imports. He claimed these countries had been “ripping off” the United States for years without consequences. “I will be raising the 10% Worldwide Tariff on Countries… to the fully allowed, and legally tested, 15% level,” he declared, signalling a defiance of the court’s decision that could lead to further legal scrutiny.
Legal Basis and Implications of the Tariff Increase
The president’s authority to impose these tariffs derives from Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which permits a temporary levy of up to 15% for a 150-day period. Following this timeframe, the administration must seek congressional approval to maintain or adjust the tariffs. Trump’s administration has indicated that they will use this interim period to craft new tariffs that comply with legal requirements.
However, the announcement raised eyebrows regarding its immediacy, as no formal documentation confirming the timing was provided. A White House fact sheet related to the initial 10% tariffs had already set a start date of 12.01am ET on 24 February.
International Reactions and Concerns
The reaction from global leaders has been swift and critical. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed concern over the potential for increased economic uncertainty, cautioning that tariffs ultimately harm all economies involved. He emphasised the urgent need for clarity, stating, “The biggest poison for the economies of Europe and the US is this constant uncertainty about tariffs.”
French President Emmanuel Macron echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the importance of judicial checks on power in democratic societies. He affirmed France’s commitment to reciprocity over unilateral trade decisions, suggesting that the new tariff structure could have broader implications for international relations.
William Bain, head of trade policy at the British Chamber of Commerce, voiced apprehension over the tariff hike, asserting that it would prove detrimental to both American and British businesses. “This will be bad for trade, bad for US consumers and businesses, and weaken global economic growth,” he warned, calling for a period of stability to facilitate transatlantic trade.
The Ongoing Tariff Landscape
Despite the backlash, certain products, including critical minerals and pharmaceuticals, will be exempt from the temporary tariffs. Additionally, goods compliant with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) from Canada and Mexico will also be spared.
Trump’s aggressive tariff strategy has been a cornerstone of his administration’s efforts to rejuvenate American manufacturing. However, data indicates that the financial burden of these tariffs has largely fallen on US businesses and consumers, with approximately 90% of the collected $130 billion in tariffs being shouldered by them.
As Trump continues to face pressure for refunds from businesses affected by the Supreme Court’s ruling, he has signalled that any reimbursements would likely involve a protracted legal battle.
Why it Matters
Trump’s unilateral tariff increase not only tests the limits of presidential authority but also highlights the deepening rift between the executive and judicial branches of government. As global leaders react with concern over heightened trade tensions, the implications of this tariff hike could ripple through international markets, affecting everything from consumer prices to diplomatic relations. The unfolding saga serves as a stark reminder of the volatile intersection of trade policy and political power, potentially reshaping the landscape of US economic relations well beyond Trump’s presidency.
