WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump has authorized an increase in tariffs on imported goods from 10 percent to 15 percent, just one day after the Supreme Court struck down his administration’s authority to impose sweeping tariffs without explicit congressional approval. The move, announced on February 22, 2026, signals a renewed push for the President’s protectionist trade policies despite the legal setback.
The Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision on February 20, 2026, curtailed the President’s power to unilaterally impose tariffs, asserting that such authority requires clear authorization from Congress. Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, stated the President “must identify clear congressional authorization to exercise it,” referring to the broad power to impose tariffs. Reuters reported on the ruling, highlighting its significance as the court’s first major challenge to Trump’s expansive view of presidential power.
Supreme Court Decision Limits Presidential Authority
The legal challenge centered on the President’s utilize of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to justify the tariffs. The court found that the President’s interpretation of IEEPA was overly broad and lacked the necessary congressional backing. According to a report by the Congressional Research Service, President Trump has invoked multiple legal authorities since January 20, 2025, to increase tariffs on U.S. Imports, prompting retaliatory measures from some trading partners.
President Trump reacted strongly to the Supreme Court’s decision, publicly criticizing some of the justices and vowing to uncover alternative methods to achieve his economic goals. “I’m ashamed of certain members of the court, absolutely ashamed for not having the courage to do what’s right for our country,” Trump said, as reported by USA TODAY. He claimed that these alternative methods would generate even more revenue than the tariffs themselves.
Tariff History Under the Trump Administration
The implementation of tariffs has been a defining feature of President Trump’s economic policy. Since the beginning of his second term in January 2025, the overall average effective US tariff rate rose from 2.5% to an estimated 27%—the highest level in over a century, according to Wikipedia. Executive Orders issued throughout 2025, detailed on the United States Trade Representative website, demonstrate a series of adjustments and expansions to tariff policies, initially targeting illicit drugs and synthetic opioids, and later expanding to broader reciprocal tariffs.
These actions included Executive Orders imposing duties to address the flow of illicit drugs across both the northern and southern borders (February 1, 2025, as amended), as well as duties related to the synthetic opioid supply chain in China (February 1, 2025, also amended). Further modifications were made through subsequent Executive Orders in April, May, and July of 2025, reflecting ongoing negotiations and adjustments to the tariff structure.
Impact and Future Outlook
The increased tariffs are expected to impact businesses and consumers, potentially leading to higher prices for imported goods. While the administration argues that tariffs protect domestic industries and create jobs, critics contend they disrupt global trade and harm economic growth. The long-term effects of the latest tariff increase remain to be seen, particularly in light of the Supreme Court’s limitations on the President’s authority.
The administration is now expected to work with Congress to seek legislative authorization for its tariff policies. The path forward remains uncertain, and the outcome will likely depend on the political climate and the willingness of both parties to compromise. The next key checkpoint will be observing the administration’s legislative strategy and gauging congressional response in the coming weeks.
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