20/02/2026
The Supreme Court of the United States has struck down Donald Trump’s tariff regime, declaring it illegal.
In a six–three ruling, the court invalidated a major part of his global trade policy, holding that he exceeded presidential authority by relying on the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act, IEEPA, to impose sweeping tariffs. The justices held that the power to set tariffs belongs primarily to Congress, not to the President.
When the Supreme Court strikes down a tariff measure, the legal authority underpinning those tariffs is invalidated. The government can no longer lawfully collect them going forward, and customs authorities must stop enforcing them once the ruling takes administrative effect.
Since the sweeping tariffs have been voided, the tariff schedule reverts to the last lawful framework.
The immediate legal question now concerns the money already collected. Importers may seek refunds of unlawfully collected tariffs and potentially pursue compensation claims.
The courts will have to determine whether refunds apply retroactively, how they are calculated, and whether any limits or conditions apply.
Donald Trump has not commented yet.
