Start Here What the SCOTUS Tariffs Ruling Means for You
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Feb 23, 2026 Matt Rivers, a Latin America correspondent reporting on cartel violence, and Elizabeth Schulze, an economics reporter explaining the Supreme Court tariffs ruling. They unpack the Court’s rejection of much of the tariff program. They discuss legal fallout, possible refund chaos for importers, a White House plan for new tariffs, and how tariffs affect household prices.
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SCOTUS Limits Presidential Tariff Power
- The Supreme Court ruled President Trump's IEPA-based tariffs unconstitutional, restoring Congress's exclusive power to impose tariffs.
- Chief Justice John Roberts noted IEPA never mentions tariffs, and the court's 6-3 decision struck down the broad authority Trump claimed.
Most Trump Tariffs Deemed Invalid But Refunds Are Messy
- About 70% of the tariffs the president imposed were declared invalid, covering roughly $142 billion collected from 300,000 U.S. importers.
- Thousands of importers had already sued seeking refunds, but the Supreme Court gave little guidance on refund mechanics.
Follow Lower Court Cases For Tariff Refunds
- Expect lower courts, especially the Court of International Trade, to decide refund procedures rather than the Supreme Court.
- Businesses seeking refunds should follow ongoing litigation in those lower courts for instructions and timelines.