In a landmark ruling shaking global markets, the US Supreme Court delivered a seismic blow to President Donald Trump's trade policies on February 20, 2026. The 6-3 decision invalidated $160 billion in tariffs imposed through emergency powers – a move experts call "the ultimate constitutional showdown."
Executive Power vs. The Bench
The court rejected Trump's use of 1977 national emergency laws to bypass Congress on trade, with Chief Justice Roberts declaring: "The framers didn't give presidents a magic wand to tax." The decision immediately sent shockwaves through Asian markets, where analysts fear renewed trade uncertainty.
Trump's 'Nuclear' Response
President Trump vowed to fight back through alternative legal channels, calling the ruling "a disgrace to America's workers." But legal experts note his backup plan – Section 122 of the Trade Act – only allows temporary measures without Congressional approval.
Global Domino Effect
With the US potentially scrambling to reimpose tariffs before November's midterms, trading partners from Seoul to Berlin are bracing for impact. "This isn't just Washington drama," said Singapore-based economist Li Wei. "It's about whether the world's largest economy plays by predictable rules."
As constitutional scholars debate this historic check on presidential power, one thing's clear: In 2026, America's political battles are everyone's business. 💼🌐
