Trump's Terms After SCOTUS deals blow to Trump's tariffs, businesses wonder if refunds are coming
Feb 23, 2026
Alina Selyukh, investigative reporter for NPR, breaks down the Supreme Court ruling that struck down roughly half of the tariffs. She covers businesses racing to secure refunds and small firms worried about legal hurdles. She explains complications for indirect importers and whether the ACEP portal could simplify claims. The piece focuses on the court's decision and the uncertain path to getting money back.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Small Business Owner Waited On $35,000 Refund
- Sarah Wells waited anxiously for the Supreme Court decision after paying $35,000 in Trump's tariffs over the past year.
- She said refunds would let her hire again and potentially keep her small business, Sarah Wells Bags, afloat.
Court Rejected Half Of Tariffs But Left Refunds Unspecified
- The Supreme Court struck down about half of Trump's tariffs, affecting more than $100 billion in taxes and creating widespread refund questions.
- The court ruled the tariffs unconstitutional but sent the case back to a lower court without outlining a refund process.
Small Firms Lack Bandwidth For Lengthy Refund Lawsuits
- Small businesses lack resources for protracted legal fights and need an accessible refund process rather than lawyer-driven claims.
- Alina Selyukh notes owners can't afford time-consuming paperwork or expensive processes to secure repayments.