Washington, Feb 21, 2026 — Hours after the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated a major portion of his global import tariffs, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a new 10% global tariff, vowing to push ahead with his trade agenda despite the legal setback.
Calling the court’s decision “terrible,” Trump accused the justices who voted against his tariff powers of acting like “fools,” and said the ruling would not deter him from imposing new trade barriers.
Supreme Court Rejects Trump’s Global Tariff Authority
In a 6–3 verdict, the Supreme Court ruled that Trump had exceeded presidential limits by invoking the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose blanket tariffs on imports from nearly every country.
Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, said that Congress had never delegated open-ended tariff powers to the executive branch.
“Had Congress intended to convey the extraordinary power to impose tariffs, it would have done so expressly,” the court noted.
The decision paves the way for billions of dollars in potential tariff refunds for businesses and U.S. states that had challenged the duties.
Trump’s Response: New Tariffs, New Legal Battles
Just minutes after the ruling, Trump unveiled a 10% global tariff under a different law — Section 122, which permits temporary tariffs up to 15% for 150 days.
Trump said he expects the refund process to drag on for years:
“There won’t be refunds without a fight.”
He added that he has “great alternatives” to continue raising import taxes, signaling that his administration may also use Section 232 (national security tariffs) and Section 301 (unfair trade practices).
Who Is Exempt From the New 10% Tariff?
The new order provides vague exemptions for:
- Certain minerals & natural resources
- Fertilizers
- Agricultural goods such as oranges and beef
- Pharmaceuticals
- Select electronics and vehicles
Canada and Mexico remain exempt under USMCA.
Countries with existing trade deals — including the UK, India, and the EU — will now face the new global tariff instead of previously negotiated rates.
Businesses React: Relief, Caution and Uncertainty
The ruling was welcomed by many U.S. firms who had struggled with sudden duty hikes:
- “A thousand-pound weight has been lifted,” said one importer.
- CEOs from small manufacturing firms called the decision a “relief.”
But experts warn that refunds may be slow, and litigation costs could overwhelm smaller companies.
Trade analysts said the immediate effect is increased uncertainty:
“Things just got more complicated,” said Geoffrey Gertz of the Center for a New American Security.
Tariffs Continue to Reshape Global Trade
The U.S. has already collected over $130 billion in tariffs under Trump’s previous orders, and hundreds of companies — from big retailers to food importers — have filed lawsuits seeking refunds.
Friday’s proclamation ensures that tariffs remain a central feature of U.S. trade policy, even as major legal challenges continue.
The new 10% global tariff takes effect on February 24, 2026.