Why the Supreme Court ruled against Trump's tariffs
PBS News Hour - Segments
PBS NewsHour
4.1 • 1K Ratings
🗓️ 20 February 2026
⏱️ 6 minutes
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| 0:00.0 | Welcome to the NewsHour. The Supreme Court struck down most of President Trump's global tariffs today in a six to three decision that is a major blow to his economic agenda. |
| 0:10.8 | The court ruled that President Trump did not have the authority under a 1977 economic emergency law to issue such sweeping tariffs. |
| 0:19.0 | The president responded forcefully, using sharp language |
| 0:22.5 | to criticize the justices who ruled against him, calling them unpatriotic and disloyal to the |
| 0:28.5 | Constitution. At a press conference, he said he would move forward regardless, vowing to impose a global |
| 0:34.3 | 10% across-the-board tariff under a different law. |
| 0:38.3 | The Supreme Court's ruling on tariffs is deeply disappointing, |
| 0:46.3 | and I'm ashamed of certain members of the court, absolutely ashamed, |
| 0:51.3 | for not having the courage to do what's right for our country. |
| 0:55.0 | The Democrats on the court are thrilled, but they will automatically vote no. |
| 1:02.0 | They're against anything that makes America strong, healthy, and great again. |
| 1:08.0 | They also are a, frankly, disgrace to our nation. Although I firmly disagree with |
| 1:13.8 | the court's holding today, the decision might not substantially constrain a president's ability |
| 1:20.5 | to order tariffs going forward. That's because numerous other federal statutes, which is so true, authorize the president |
| 1:29.0 | to impose tariffs and might justify most, if not all, of the tariffs issued in this case. |
| 1:37.3 | Even more tariffs, actually. |
| 1:39.8 | And we start our coverage tonight with the NewsHour's Supreme Court analysts and Scotist blog co-founder Amy Howe. |
| 1:46.1 | Amy, it's always good to see you. I want to read part of the Chief Justice's opinion in this case, |
| 1:51.0 | where he challenges the president's decision to impose the tariffs. He says in part, quote, |
| 1:55.3 | The president asserts the extraordinary power to unilaterally impose tariffs. In light of the breadth, history, |
| 2:02.4 | and constitutional context of that asserted authority, he must identify clear congressional |
| 2:07.7 | authorization to exercise it. So what are your key takeaways from today's ruling and this |
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