PBS News Hour - Brooks and Capehart Brooks and Capehart on the tariff ruling and Trump's attacks on Supreme Court justices
Feb 20, 2026
Jonathan Capehart, MSNBC commentator noted for political analysis, and David Brooks, Atlantic columnist and cultural analyst, tackle the Supreme Court tariff ruling and its limits on presidential power. They discuss Trump's intensified attacks on justices. They debate congressional responsibility on tariffs, the 10% global tariff order, and concerns about funding and transparency in peace efforts.
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Tariffs Have Been An Economic Failure
- Tariff policy under Trump has been an economic failure that taxed American consumers and failed to revive manufacturing jobs. 90% of tariff costs are passed to U.S. consumers, fueling inflation and not restoring manufacturing employment.
Court Reasserts Legislative Authority
- The Supreme Court drew a constitutional line limiting executive control over legislative powers like tariffs. The ruling underscores that taxing and spending powers belong to Congress, not sole presidential decree.
Court Not Monolithic On Executive Power
- Two Trump-appointed justices broke with the president, showing the Court isn't monolithic in supporting his expansive executive claims. The ruling also served as a reminder to Congress that it must act if it wants tariff policy changed.