US Judicial Attack on Trump’s Tariff Injustice

February 23, 2026

Abhishek Vij

Ever since Donald Trump began his second term as President of the United States, he has sought to enforce his arbitrary decisions by imposing heavy taxes on goods imported from other countries. Tariffs are Trump’s weapon. By irrationally raising tariffs, Trump exercises authoritarianism over other countries. This is undoubtedly unjust, undemocratic, and can be called trade authoritarianism. But on Friday, the US Supreme Court also declared Trump’s tariffs irrational.

The Supreme Court ruled by a 6-3 majority that Trump lacked the authority to raise tariffs. Only the US Congress can change tariff rates by majority vote, and therefore, the tariffs imposed on various countries are illegal. Trump never tires of calling himself a global peacemaker and a trade warrior, but the Supreme Court blunted his tariff weapon. He was furious after this decision. He told media that he could impose trade sanctions on a country, but he could not increase or decrease tariff rates. What kind of justice is this?

The judges did not say a word about the $17.5 million Trump has collected so far by raising tariff rates. However, the court made it clear that Trump cannot change tariff rates. True to his nature, Trump, calling some judges a “stain” on the country, imposed an additional 10% tariff on all of his trading partners, which he increased to 15% on Saturday. Yes, he said the trade agreement with India will continue as previously agreed. This means that India will pay an 18% tariff, and in return, the US will pay zero tariffs on its products shipped to India.

Trump said the agreement will continue because India previously paid zero tariffs on many exports, but now it will have to suffer. Trump has increased tariff rates by 10% for 150 days. He believes he will regain his power to change tariff rates through Congress or some other means. This means he will continue to exercise his trade dictatorship.

However, it is difficult for Trump to regain this power. According to the Constitution, he can do so only in a national emergency. Therefore, it seems unlikely that Trump will be able to secure a full vote of approval for the constitutional amendment with the support of members of the US Congress and Senate. If it is to be regained through any other means, the process would be very lengthy. Therefore, uncertainty surrounds the current tariff rate changes. Trump believes that India will have to bear the 18% tariff. The court’s decision marks a major change in US tariff policy. Let’s see what the future holds for this change.