NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas Friday, February 20, 2026
Feb 21, 2026
A landmark Supreme Court ruling stalls existing tariffs and sparks a bold 10% global tariff plan. Severe winter storms and a Midwest tornado outbreak cause major damage and outages. Authorities probe a suspected attack on a power substation. Updates include a missing person search, a massive food recall, and U.S. hockey advancing to the Olympic final.
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Court Limits Presidential Tariff Power
- The Supreme Court ruled most of President Trump's tariffs illegal, saying Congress—not the president—must authorize such trade measures.
- The decision leaves unresolved what happens to the $130+ billion already collected and may trigger lengthy litigation and refund claims.
Importer Seeks Refunds
- VOS Selections, a family-owned wine importer, is a lead plaintiff and plans to seek refunds for tariffs it paid.
- Their case illustrates how businesses directly harmed by the tariffs are already preparing litigation.
Plan B Faces Legal Limits
- President Trump announced a global 10% tariff as a workaround but it faces legal and time constraints, including a 150-day limit without Congress.
- Analysts warned alternative tools also carry drawbacks and will be subject to judicial and political challenge.