The Opinions Trump's Tariffs Won't Save Workers from A.I.
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Feb 24, 2026 
Emily Bazelon, a law professor and opinion writer, gives legal takeaways on the Supreme Court ruling. Binyamin Appelbaum, an opinion columnist focused on economics, breaks down trade and tariff fallout. They discuss limits on presidential tariff power, how the ruling reshapes U.S. leverage with partners, likely State of the Union moves, and the broader threat of automation and AI to jobs.
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Narrower Statutes Still Let Tariffs But With Limits
- Other statutes give the president narrower tariff authority but require process and limits like a 150-day investigative timeline.
- Emily Bazelon explains the current global 15% across-the-board tariff stems from a statute with procedural steps and explicit caps.
Legal Case Exists For Targeted Trade Pushback
- There are clear legal bases to challenge unfair foreign trade practices, and Trump believes existing law supports stronger protectionism.
- Binyamin Appelbaum says many countries violate trade rules via subsidies, and Trump sees legal authority to confront that, shifting trade norms.
Trump Lost His Biggest Foreign Policy Cudgel
- The Supreme Court's ruling removed Trump's broad AIPA cudgel and capped his unilateral tariff power at 15% under remaining statutes.
- Appelbaum emphasizes losing that leverage constrains his ability to pressure foreign governments beyond the 15% cap.