The U.S. Supreme Court in Washington on January 13, 2026. | AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File
The U.S. Supreme Court struck down some of President Donald Trump’s wide-reaching global tariffs in a 6-3 decision on Friday.
A majority of justices ruled that Trump had overreached in his presidential authority by unilaterally imposing tariffs under national emergency powers.
The bench currently has a 6-3 conservative majority and has ruled in favor of the Trump administration on many key issues, including immigration enforcement and cuts at federal government agencies. Trump appointed three of the justices during his first term.
The decision was focused on tariffs enacted through the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which has been a core pillar of his economic policy since Trump took office in January 2025. Trump has repeatedly announced, imposed, paused and reinstated a slew of tariffs at varying rates on U.S. trading partners to curb immigration, drug trafficking, and reduce trade deficits.
Trump’s use of the 1977 IEEPA to impose tariffs without seeking congressional approval or conducting investigations first has raised legal alarms. The law gives presidents broad power to impose economic sanctions during national emergencies, but Trump is the first president to use it to impose tariffs.
The Constitution grants Congress the power to levy tariffs, and Trump’s use of emergency powers prompted a wave of lawsuits challenging his authority. In the majority opinion of Learning Resources Inc. v. Trump, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote: “The Framers did not vest any part of the taxing power in the Executive Branch.”
The ruling concludes: “We claim no special competence in matters of economics or foreign affairs. We claim only, as we must, the limited role assigned to us by Article III of the Constitution. Fulfilling that role, we hold that IEEPA does not authorize the President to impose tariffs.”
Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote in the dissent: “The tariffs at issue here may or may not be wise policy. But as a matter of text, history, and precedent, they are clearly lawful.”
Trump earlier warned of “chaos” if the court ruled against him, writing on Truth Social in January: “Remember, when America shines brightly, the World shines brightly. In other words, if the Supreme Court rules against the United States of America on this National Security bonanza, WE’RE SCREWED!”
Democrats welcomed the ruling, while Trump’s MAGA allies criticized it and argued it could weaken the president’s leverage in trade talks. However, some Republicans applauded the ruling.
What People Are Saying
Turning Point USA spokesperson Andrew Kolvet, on X: “Yes SCOTUS ruled against President Trump on tariffs. I believe it ruled incorrectly. If a president can sanction other countries, he should be able to tariff them as well to counter them when they cheat at trade. But the sky isn’t necessarily falling. President Trump has other mechanisms he can use to enact his tariff policies besides emergency declarations.”
Representative Don Bacon, a Nebraska Republican, on X: “The Constitution’s checks and balances still work. Article One gives tariff authority to Congress. This was a common-sense and straightforward ruling by the Supreme Court. I feel vindicated as I’ve been saying this for the last 12 months. In the future, Congress should defend its own authorities and not rely on the Supreme Court. Besides the Constitutional concerns I had on the Administration’s broad-based tariffs, I also do not think tariffs are smart economic policy. Broad-based tariffs are bad economics.”
Senator Rand Paul, a Kentucky Republican, on X: “In defense of our Republic, the Supreme Court struck down using emergency powers to enact taxes. This ruling will also prevent a future President such as AOC from using emergency powers to enact socialism.”
In a second post, he wrote: “The Supreme Court makes plain what should have been obvious: ‘The power to impose tariffs is ‘very clearly a branch of the power to tax.’”
House Speaker Mike Johnson, on X: “No one can deny that the President’s use of tariffs has brought in billions of dollars and created immense leverage for America’s trade strategy and for securing strong, reciprocal America-first trade agreements with countries that had been taking advantage of American workers for decades. Congress and the Administration will determine the best path forward in the coming weeks.”
Senator Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican, on X: “There must be tools to level the playing field. Striking down President Trump’s ability to use IEEPA tariffs demands an alternative. My Foreign Pollution Fee levels the playing field in a way that is predictable and benefits American workers and American businesses.”
Senator Ron Johnson, a Wisconsin Republican, on X: “The tariff case cried out for a unanimous decision. However, both sides made reasonable arguments leading to a split decision. In the end, SCOTUS decided nothing and created a HUGE mess. But the underlying mess is created by sloppy congressional language in bills that are not adequately thought through—the half-assed and unprofessional process that I witness daily.”
Senator Roger Marshall, a Kansas Republican, on X: “President Trump’s tariffs secured 10 trade deals, brought supply chains back to America, and strengthened our national security. This decision is disappointing — but it won’t stop him from using every tool available to fight for American workers, rebuild U.S. manufacturing, and put America First.”
Senator John Curtis, a Utah Republican, on X: “Today’s ruling affirms, despite all the noise of the moment, that the Founders’ system of checks and balances remains strong nearly 250 years later. Several questions remain unanswered, including what happens to the revenue already collected and how the Administration may use alternative authorities to impose tariffs. Looking ahead, it is critical that we provide the clarity and predictability businesses need.”
Senator Chuck Grassley, an Iowa Republican, on X: “I appreciate the work Pres Trump is doing 2restore fair, reciprocal trade agreements. I urge the admin 2keep negotiating while also working w Congress 2secure longer-term enforcement measures so we can provide expanded market opportunities &certainty for Iowa’s family farmers+biz.”
Brigitte Gabriel, conservative founder of ACT for America, on X: “Terrible decision by the Supreme Court. A President should have the authority to protect his country with tariffs!”
Former Florida Republican Representative Matt Gaetz, reshared Gabriel’s post: “Agree!”
What Happens Next
The court did not address whether companies or individuals would receive any refunds for the billions of dollars that they have paid in tariffs over the past year. (Newsweek)