President Donald Trump speaks during an event to announce new tariffs in the Rose Garden of the White House, Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in Washington.Image: AP
Feb 20, 2026, 4:53 p.mFeb 20, 2026, 5:16 p.m
In a landmark decision Friday afternoon, the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, DC, halted President Trump’s sweeping tariffs. The court ruled that the president exceeded his power when he attempted to impose these tariffs without the express consent of Parliament.
Here are the 5 most important arguments of the Supreme Court:
1. No power for tariffs without Congress
The court made it clear that according to the Constitution, only Congress (Parliament) can set taxes and tariffs. The president has no right to do this on his own initiative.
2. The word “regulate” is not enough
The government argued that the president could “regulate” imports. The court disagreed: The word “regulate” does not automatically mean that customs duties (i.e. taxes) can also be levied.
3. Important questions need clear laws
With such important issues affecting the entire economy (billions of dollars), the president cannot simply interpret old laws creatively. Congress would have to give him that power explicitly and unambiguously.
4. Customs duties are taxes
The court emphasized that tariffs are essentially taxes that the state uses to make money. Since taxes are a direct burden on citizens, particularly strict rules apply here for approval by Parliament.
5. Trump tariffs are invalid
Since President Trump did not have clear authorization from Congress for his tariffs (for example against drug imports or trade deficits), these tariffs are legally untenable. (val)